India and Ethiopia Sign WTO Accession Protocol to Strengthen Strategic Trade Ties

India and Ethiopia has strengthened economic ties by signing the bilateral accession protocol for the Ethiopia’s membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO), This accession agreement was signed in Geneva on May 22, 2026 and this agreement showcases the India’s continued support for the integrating the developing economies in to the global trading system.

India and Ethiopia Sign WTO Accession Protocol in Geneva

India and Ethiopia officially signed the bilateral accession protocol linked to the Ethiopia’s WTO membership process.

The signing was took place in Geneva which is the headquarters of the WTO.

India was represented by the Dr Senthil Pandian C., Ambassador and Permanent Representative of India to the WTO.

Ethiopia was represented by Ambassador Tsegab Kebebew Daka, Permanent Representative of Ethiopia in Geneva.

After this signing, the protocol and its related documents were formally submitted to the WTO Secretariat.

What Does This Agreement Mean?

This protocol is part of the WTO accession negotiation framework.

When any country wants to join the WTO, it must negotiate terms with the existing member countries.

These negotiations cover the,

• Market access commitments
• Trade policy reforms
• Tariff structures
• Services access
• Regulatory alignment

India’s agreement indicates that the bilateral understanding on trade access conditions.

It will brings the Ethiopia one step closer to full WTO membership.

Why India Is Supporting Ethiopia

India has consistently supported the WTO accession of the developing countries and Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

The broader objective is to make the global trading system more inclusive.

India also believes the wider participation in multilateral trade institutions helps create balanced economic growth.

It also strengthens the global value chain integration for emerging economies.

This approach also aligns with the India’s long standing South to South cooperation policy.

Ethiopia’s WTO Membership Journey

Ethiopia has been working towards the WTO membership for several years.

The accession process is often long and technically complex.

Countries must align with the domestic economic systems with WTO rules.

This includes reforms in the,

• Trade regulation
• Customs procedures
• Investment rules
• Services liberalization
• Tariff commitments

Ethiopia is now considered to be at the advanced stage.

India-Ethiopia Trade Relationship Explained

India and Ethiopia already shares the strong economic ties.

India is currently the Ethiopia’s second-largest trading partner.

Indian companies are also among the major foreign investors in Ethiopia.

Key cooperation areas includes the,

• Manufacturing
• Pharmaceuticals
• Agriculture
• Infrastructure
• Education
• Healthcare

Trade relations between the both nations have steadily deepened over the years.