Indian Foreign minister begins key Ethiopia visit

Mukherjee’s trip to Ethiopia started with a detailed meeting with 18 Indian ambassadors posted in sub-Saharan countries in Addis Ababa. The aim was to look for ways of increasing India's investment and boosting economic ties in Africa.

During his three day stay, he will meet his Ethiopian counterpart Seyoum Mesfin and discuss a wide range of issues, particularly about the trade and economic sectors.

The two sides are expected to sign several bilateral agreements on promotion and protection of bilateral investment, establishment of a joint ministerial committee and foreign office consultations.

Mukherjee will also launch pilot project linked to communication and information sector. It’s a part of an initiative called the Pan-African e-Network project, which was launched in 2005. Funded by India, the project aims to bring benefits of tele-education and tele-medicine to the African continent.

Africa, with its huge oil and gas reserves, has also become an important factor in global energy markets. Booming economies such as China have already raised their stakes in the continent to get the share of oil contracts. And many say, with its growing demand for raw materials and energy, India definitely doesn’t want to play a smaller role. But Nivedita Ray, an expert on African affairs in New Delhi, differs: “It is not just a question of oil and resources. It is also a question of meeting the African requirements in terms of development sectors. For instance, IT sector, where they need India.”

As Ethiopia is currently the host of the 53-nation African Union, the Indian side will also take the opportunity to discuss the issue of the UN reforms. Mukherjee is scheduled to meet Alpha Oumar Konare, chairman of the AU in an effort to mobilize its support for New Delhi’s bid for permanent membership of the Security Council.