The Post-1991 Diplomatic Relation Between Ethiopia and India: Relation in the Academic Sector
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Date
2024-07-01
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The main objective of the study is to critically examine post-1991 Ethio-India academic relations.
It aims to assess the bilateral academic relations between the two countries and the
contributions of India to the development of the education sector in Ethiopia. To study these
issues, the study used qualitative research methodology. Data was collected from both primary
and secondary sources. Literature reviews were triangulated with semi-structure in-depth
interview with officials from different organizations. The findings of this study show that
academic relations between the two states have increased over time, though Ethiopia has not
been efficiently and properly utilizing the academic opportunities from India. The 1990s political,
economic, and academic reforms, the 2007 education agreements on science and technology,
and the India-Africa Forum summits strengthening the academic collaborations between the two
countries. In the India African Forum Summits held in 2008, 2011, and 2015, India promised to
increase its support for African countries by increasing the number of scholarships and
capacity-building trainings. Given that Ethiopia became the primary beneficiary of the Indian
human resource development programs. However, the number of ICCR scholarships increased
from 20 slots in 2003 to 55 since 2015, Ethiopia is not fully utilizing allocated slots. The number
of ITEC slots has increased from 160 in 2013 to 406 since 2019 though Ethiopia is not also fully
utilizing it. Tele-education and tele-medicine, the Barefoot Initiative program, CV Raman
scholarships, and agricultural scholarships are other programs offered by India for Ethiopia.
These programs have contributed to produce educated manpower in particular and education
system development in general. In return, India benefits from sending unemployed teachers to
Ethiopia, providing investment facilities for its investors, and enhancing its soft power diplomacy.
Accordingly, India has been using education as a form of soft power diplomacy for its emerging
political influence globally. To effectively use India’s academic opportunities, Ethiopia needs to
focus on government initiatives to promote and support educational partnerships, streamline
administrative procedures, and simplify the visa application. It also needs to establish an
institutional platform, create a good environment, request to increase scholarship slots, and
cooperatively work with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Education and Indian
Embassy.
Keywords: Inter-State Relations, Foreign policy, Diplomacy, Academic Relation, South-South
Cooperation, Scholarship, Capacity Building, Human Resource Development
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Keywords
Inter-State Relations, Foreign policy, Diplomacy, Academic Relation, South-South Cooperation, Scholarship, Capacity Building, Human Resource Development