India and Ethiopia have signed a bilateral accession protocol in Geneva as part of Ethiopia’s ongoing process to join the World Trade Organization (WTO).
The agreement was signed on May 22, 2026, during an official ceremony in Geneva.
The protocol was signed by:
- Senthil Pandian C. on behalf of India,
- and Tsegab Kebebew Daka on behalf of Ethiopia.
Following the signing ceremony, the protocol and its annexures were formally submitted to the WTO Secretariat.
India Supports Greater Inclusion of Developing Economies
India reiterated its long-standing support for the accession of:
- developing countries,
- and least-developed countries (LDCs)
into the multilateral trading system.
According to the government, India believes that deeper integration of emerging economies into:
- global trade frameworks,
- and international value chains
is essential for building a more inclusive and balanced global economy.
Officials stated that the agreement was advanced and concluded under the guidance of Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal.
India–Ethiopia Economic Ties Continue to Deepen
India and Ethiopia share longstanding civilisational and people-to-people ties.
Currently:
- India is Ethiopia’s second-largest trading partner,
- while Indian companies remain among the leading foreign investors in Ethiopia.
Bilateral relations received a major boost after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Ethiopia in December 2025, during which both nations elevated ties to the level of a Strategic Partnership.
Ethiopia Nears Final Stages of WTO Membership Process
Under WTO accession procedures, applicant countries are required to:
- align domestic economic and trade policies with WTO rules,
- and negotiate market access commitments with existing member nations.
Ethiopia is currently in the advanced stages of the accession process.
Its seventh WTO Working Party meeting was held on:
- April 22–23, 2026.
New Opportunities Expected in Trade and Investment
Officials believe that Ethiopia’s continued economic reforms and eventual WTO membership could create:
- stronger bilateral trade opportunities,
- expanded investment flows,
- and deeper commercial cooperation
between India and Ethiopia in the coming years.
