India and Ethiopia have strengthened their economic and diplomatic partnership by signing a bilateral WTO accession protocol in Geneva, supporting Ethiopia’s efforts to join the World Trade Organization (WTO).
The agreement was signed on May 22, 2026, at the WTO headquarters in Geneva. India was represented by Dr. Senthil Pandian C., Ambassador and Permanent Representative of India to the WTO, while Ethiopia was represented by Ambassador Tsegab Kebebew Daka.
The protocol is an important step in Ethiopia’s WTO accession process. Countries seeking WTO membership must negotiate trade terms and market access commitments with existing member nations before joining the global trade body.
The agreement reflects India’s support for integrating developing and least-developed countries into the global trading system. It also highlights India’s commitment to strengthening South-South cooperation and promoting balanced economic growth through multilateral trade institutions.
The accession framework includes discussions on tariff structures, trade policy reforms, services access, and regulatory alignment. India’s approval will help Ethiopia move closer to becoming a full WTO member.
Experts believe the move could open new opportunities for bilateral trade, investment, business partnerships, and economic cooperation between India and Ethiopia in the coming years.
