India and Ethiopia signed a bilateral accession protocol related to Ethiopia’s membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO) during a ceremony held in Geneva.
The protocol was signed by Dr. Senthil Pandian C. on behalf of India and Tsegab Kebebew Daka on behalf of Ethiopia.
Following the signing ceremony, the protocol and related annexes were formally deposited with the WTO Secretariat.

India Reaffirms Support for Developing Nations

India reiterated its long-standing support for the accession of developing countries and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) into the global multilateral trading system.
According to the government, India believes that greater participation of developing nations in global trade and value chains is essential for building a more inclusive and balanced world economy.
The agreement was reportedly fast-tracked under the guidance of Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal.

Strong India–Ethiopia Bilateral Relations

India and Ethiopia share longstanding historical, cultural, and people-to-people ties. India is currently Ethiopia’s second-largest trading partner, while Indian companies remain among the major foreign investors in the African nation.
Bilateral relations between the two countries were elevated to a Strategic Partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Ethiopia in December 2025.

The WTO accession process requires applicant countries to align their domestic economic and trade policies with WTO rules while also negotiating market access commitments with existing member countries.
Ethiopia is presently in an advanced phase of its accession process.
Its WTO Working Party held its seventh meeting on April 22–23, 2026.

Officials said Ethiopia’s ongoing economic and trade reforms under the WTO accession framework are expected to create fresh opportunities for trade, investment, and business cooperation between India and Ethiopia.
The agreement is also expected to strengthen economic engagement between the two countries and support Ethiopia’s deeper integration into the global trading system.

The World Trade Organization (WTO) is the global body that regulates international trade, ensuring fair competition, resolving disputes, and promoting free trade among its 164 member countries.
Founded: 1 January 1995
Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
Members: 164 countries (covering over 98% of world trade)
Purpose: To facilitate smooth, predictable, and free trade across nations.