Experience from Indian Visit to Leverage Ethio-India Cooperation

Experience from Indian Visit to Leverage Ethio-India Cooperation

By Gosaye Feyissa

Addis Ababa December 27/2024 (ENA)—During my recent week-long visit to Bengaluru, New Delhi and Agra, India, as part of a delegation of journalists from Eastern and Southern Africa, I had the incredible opportunity to witness firsthand  dynamic transformation unfolding in one of the world’s most rapidly evolving countries. 

This experience was both eye-opening and inspiring, deepening my understanding of India’s advancements in technology, science, culture, and development. Each city we visited offered unique insights that broadened my perspective, sparking ideas on how similar approaches could benefit my home country, Ethiopia, and other nations in our region.

India, with a population of over 1.4 billion, is the most populous country in the world. The sheer scale of this population is awe-inspiring, not only because of the challenges it presents but also because of how India manages to sustain and support such a vast and diverse population. The efficient systems in place for feeding, educating, and administering this large nation are truly remarkable.

What stood out most during my visit was how, despite India’s complexities and rapid growth, there is a shared cultural and historical bond with many African nations, including Ethiopia. Both countries have deep roots in ancient civilizations and a strong commitment to development. This common foundation provides a solid basis for cooperation. India’s ability to preserve its cultural identity while embracing modernity offers valuable lessons for Ethiopia, as it too navigates its path of rapid development.

One of the key highlights of my trip was visiting the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in Bengaluru. ISRO’s ambitious missions, such as the Chandrayaan and Mars Orbiter Mission, were awe-inspiring. In particular, India’s successful landing of the Vikram Lander on the Moon’s South Polar Region in August 2023 marked a historic milestone, making the country the first country to land in this unexplored area. This technological breakthrough showcases India’s global leadership in space exploration and opens up a unique opportunity for collaboration between India and Ethiopia in space science.

As I toured the facilities, I recognized the vast potential for India-Ethiopia cooperation in space research. This partnership could bring significant benefits not only to our two nations but also enhance the scientific capabilities of the entire African continent.

Bengaluru, known as the "Silicon Valley of India," is also a city that takes pride in its green spaces. Visiting Lalbagh Botanical Garden and Cubbon Park gave me fresh perspectives on sustainable urban development. These green spaces reminded me of Ethiopia’s ongoing efforts to enhance urban greenery through initiatives like corridor development in Addis Ababa and the Green Legacy Initiative, which focuses on combating deforestation and improving environmental sustainability. Both India and Ethiopia recognize the importance of green spaces for healthier, more sustainable urban futures.

Another highlight of my journey was the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), where I witnessed cutting-edge research in fields like artificial intelligence, sustainable technologies, and space exploration. IISc’s role in addressing global challenges left me thinking about how Ethiopia could adopt similar models to bolster its own scientific and technological landscape. The presence of Ethiopian students at IISc further reinforced the potential for closer collaboration in education, especially in advancing fields critical for Africa’s growth.

Equally inspiring was learning about India’s Modular Open-Source Identity Platform (MOSIP), designed to create scalable, open-source national identity systems. As Ethiopia moves forward with its own national ID system (Fayida ID), the experiences and insights from MOSIP offer critical lessons on building secure, inclusive, and efficient identity systems that could strengthen governance and service delivery in Ethiopia.

My time in Bengaluru was truly eye-opening, showcasing the potential for innovation and collaboration. I left the city with a renewed sense of curiosity and inspiration, eager to explore how these advancements could be adapted to my own context in Ethiopia.

New Delhi is where India’s cultural richness and diversity stood in striking contrast to its rapid technological progress. The city, a blend of history and modernity, is home to iconic monuments like India's Gate, Humayun's Tomb, and Rashtrapati Bhavan, alongside cutting-edge innovations.

Rashtrapati Bhavan, located in the heart of New Delhi, is one of India’s largest and most architecturally stunning buildings. Amid the city’s hustle and bustle, India’s ancient landmarks and vibrant festivals highlight the country’s deep cultural vitality. 

This harmonious fusion of tradition and progress resonated deeply with me. Like India, Ethiopia also has a rich cultural heritage, and seeing how India balances its ancient legacy with modern achievements offers valuable lessons for Ethiopia in preserving its identity while embracing development.

My visit to the Taj Mahal in Agra stands out as an unforgettable experience. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan between 1632 and 1653 as a mausoleum for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is a symbol of India’s artistic and architectural brilliance. Along with other historic landmarks, it reminded me of the enduring ties between India’s past and present—an inspiring example of how a nation can honor its heritage while forging ahead toward the future.

I also had the privilege of learning about the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), a prestigious center of excellence since its establishment in 1961. The collaboration between IIT and Ethiopian universities plays a crucial role in fostering innovation and technological growth. With many Ethiopian students already enrolled, there are plans to offer scholarships to Ethiopian and African students, expanding educational opportunities across the continent.

Among the various organizations and institutions in India, my visit to the Akshaya Patra Foundation, a non-profit organization was  inspiring. The foundation serves over 1.8 million children with nutritious meals through its mid-day meal scheme. This initiative closely aligns with the School Feeding Program in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, which aims to improve student nutrition and academic performance. Akshaya Patra’s success offers valuable insights for Ethiopia, particularly in scaling and sustaining its school feeding efforts.

In conclusion, India’s development journey, is driven by resilience and ambition. India’s innovative approaches to poverty alleviation, infrastructure, and technology offer valuable lessons for Ethiopia, particularly in agriculture, technology, and governance. My visit to India was transformative, sparking new ideas on how Ethiopia and Africa can benefit from India’s growth models.

Of course, Ethiopia has embarked on multifaceted development endeavours, including technology, infrastructure and Green Legacy Initiative. The country has also been implementing comprehensive macroeconomic reforms to realize its development objectives.

The strong bond between India and Ethiopia, rooted in shared values, provides a solid foundation for deeper collaboration in many areas. India’s progress offers both inspiration and practical lessons as Ethiopia has been making all-out efforts to achieve sustainable development.

Both nations are united in promoting the interests of the Global South, collaborating across trade, technology, and education. India’s support for Ethiopia’s inclusion in BRICS underscores their shared commitment to peace and mutual growth, offering immense potential for a brighter future.