India and Ethiopia have strengthened their bilateral defense ties with the inaugural Joint Defence Cooperation (JDC) meeting held in New Delhi on October 15, 2025. This meeting, co-chaired by Indian Joint Secretary Amitabh Prasad and Ethiopian Maj. Gen. Teshome Gemechu, signals a transformation from a development-centric relationship to a strategic partnership based on mutual respect and shared growth. The signing of a Defence Cooperation MoU in February 2025 aims to enhance collaboration in areas such as joint training, military medicine, and cyber security. This partnership not only reinforces regional stability but also aligns with India’s broader strategy to expand its influence in the Indian Ocean and Horn of Africa, promoting an Afro-Asian alliance grounded in historical ties and modern imperatives.