Ancient links between India and Ethiopia have existed even before history was recorded during the Axumite period.

(2nd to 9th century A.D.) According to historian Richard Pankhurst, "contacts between the land which came to be known as Ethiopia and India date back to the dawn of history."

Indian artisans and workers played an important role in the development of the famous city of Gondar and the palace of Emperor Fasilidas.

A large number of Indians had been employed between the late sixties and the nineties on a contractual basis to teach in the country's primary and secondary schools.

But with the overthrow of Emperor Haile Selassie by Colonel Mengistu, the new communist regime introduced a policy of “Ethiopianisation” which meant that foreigners were not allowed to teach in Ethiopian schools.