This article covers historical and cultural links, education and the Indian community in Eritrea, as described in the MEA bilateral brief of April 2026. It also gives the contact details of the Embassy of the State of Eritrea in New Delhi, its head of mission, its honorary consulate and Eritrea's national day, taken from the MEA Protocol Division register, read on 24 September 2026.

According to the MEA brief of April 2026, India and Eritrea share a deep historical connection. The ancient Eritrean port of Adulis served as a link in the trade route between southern India and the Roman Empire, and Indian traders were familiar with the Eritrean port of Massawa from the 17th century.

During World War II, many Indian soldiers laid down their lives in the battles of Keren and Asmara. The Keren Cremation Memorial commemorates 285 Indian soldiers whose remains were cremated in accordance with their faith. The Keren War Cemetery commemorates 73 Indian soldiers buried there, and the Asmara War Cemetery commemorates 16 Indian soldiers.

Cultural exchanges

The first ICCR-sponsored Rajasthani folk dance troupe visited Asmara on 12-13 December 2018 and gave cultural performances there. Cultural troupes from Eritrea visited India to take part in the 36th and 38th editions of the Surajkund International Crafts Mela, held in 2023 and 2025 respectively.

Indian cinema and goodwill

The brief states that India enjoys a favourable image and goodwill among the Eritrean people. It records that Bollywood films and actors, particularly from the 70s to the 90s, are immensely popular in Eritrea, and that the film "Mother India" enjoys the status of a cult classic. According to the brief, it is not rare to meet Eritreans with a fairly good knowledge of Hindi picked up from Indian films.

Two senior journalists from Eritrea, Mr Yishak Yared Yohannes, Director, Shabait.com, and Mrs Hawa Suleiman Abdulghader, Dy. Editor in Chief of Eritrea Alhaditha newspaper, visited India on a familiarisation visit from 8 to 16 December 2023.

Education and scholarships

For the Academic Year 2025-26, ICCR allotted 12 scholarships to Eritrea under the India-Africa Maitri Scholarship Scheme.

In 2010, an Eritrean delegation visited several Indian educational institutions: Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi, Delhi University (DU) and Hamdard University. An agreement was concluded for cooperation with IGNOU.

The Indian community

The Indian community in Eritrea numbers around 200, according to the brief, and consists mostly of school teachers, college professors and lecturers, and skilled and semi-skilled workers. Most Indians live and work in and around Asmara, Keren and Adi Keyh. The brief states that the role of Indian teachers and professors in Eritrea's education system is deeply appreciated.

Embassy of Eritrea in New Delhi

The register gives the following details for the Embassy of the State of Eritrea:

  • Address: C-6/3 1st floor, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi-110057
  • Telephone: +91-11- 2614 6336; 47528861
  • Email: eriindia@yahoo.co.in

The register lists no website for the Embassy. As of 24 September 2026, it lists the head of mission as H.E. Mr. Alem Tsehaye Woldemariam, Ambassador.

Honorary consulate

The register lists no career consulates of Eritrea in India. It lists an honorary consulate of Eritrea in Mumbai, but does not give its address or the area it serves; these details should be obtained from the Embassy in New Delhi.

National day

Eritrea's national day is 24 May (Independence Day), the date the brief gives for Eritrea's independence in 1993.

Visas

The brief states that Eritrea is among the countries to which India has extended its e-Visa facility. It gives no other visa, consular or air connectivity information. Travellers to Eritrea should check current visa and entry requirements with the Embassy of Eritrea in New Delhi before making plans or submitting applications.

Honorary consuls

Honorary consuls have limited powers and do not provide the full range of services of an embassy. Visa, document and other consular requirements should always be confirmed with the Embassy of Eritrea in New Delhi.