Context: For the first time in nearly 25 years, Sudan deployed its troops along the al-Fashqa border strip at the end March. This came after an attack which prompted a top security team to visit the area.

Historical Relation

• Relations between Ethiopia and Sudan were very good following the end of the Ethiopian Civil War, due to the support that the Sudanese government had given to the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front. 
• However, relations were strained for a time following the 26 June 1995 assassination attempt against Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak as he was leaving the OAU summit meeting in Addis Ababa. 
• Which forcing the Ethiopian government to take a series of steps against Sudan that, which included closing the Sudanese consulate in Gambela, reducing the number of Sudanese embassy staff, and terminating all Sudan Airways and Ethiopian Airlines flights between the two countries. 
• However the start of the Eritrean–Ethiopian War led to Sudan and Ethiopia put this conflict between them and normalizing their relations by November 1999 when president Omar Hassan al-Bashir made a formal visit to Addis Ababa.
• In May 2008, residents along the western Ethiopian border reportedly discovered that the government had agreed to demarcate this boundary when Sudanese soldiers forced them out of their homes.

Current Scenario

• Amid heightened tension along its border with Ethiopia, Sudan swore in a new defence minister. Major General Yassin Ibrahim Yassin was recalled from retirement to fill the position following the death of General Gamal al-Din Omar.

Background 

• Yassin’s swearing-in came after an alleged Ethiopian cross-border attack. The attack, which took place in the eastern province of al-Qadarif, started after an Ethiopian militia group penetrated Sudan’s border to fetch water at the Atbara river.

Concerns

• It is not clear exactly what triggered a flare-up of this long-standing border dispute. Sources suggest that Sudanese security forces may have responded to incursions by Ethiopian farmers, which in turn brought in Ethiopian security forces. 
• The border clashes flared up as Ethiopia and Sudan were preparing to meet in the Sudanese capital Khartoum, for a second round of talks aimed at resolving the border dispute. 

Common Border

• Sudan and Ethiopia share a common boundary that stretches over 1,600 km. The border was drawn following a series of treaties between Ethiopia and the colonial powers of Britain and Italy. However, to date, this boundary lacks clear demarcation lines.
• Sudan’s al-Fashqa region which covers approximately 600 km, is a rich fertile land conducive for agriculture. For decades, Ethiopia has allowed its farmers to plant crops there. 
• Former Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir largely turned a blind eye to his country’s territorial incursion. 
• However, Sudan’s transitional authorities, who took over after popular protests which eventually led to the ousting of al-Bashir, have initiated talks with Ethiopia in a bid to have to Ethiopian farmers withdraw.
• The border dispute could complicate Ethiopia’s plan to construct the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). Sudan had initially backed Ethiopia’s project but later refused to sign on an initial agreement which would have paved the way for Ethiopia to begin filling the dam.
• Ethiopia and Sudan are holding regular discussions to prepare the ground for the resumption of trilateral GERD talks. It does not appear that the border incident has caused significant disruption to the negotiations. 
• Sudan and Ethiopia need to ramp up their existing discussions over the borderlands in order to come to an understanding that will lead to a final resolution of the issue.

India-Ethopia Relation

• Ethiopia–India relations have existed for almost two millennia. Modern diplomatic relations between India and Ethiopia were established at the level of legations in July 1948, after the independence of India. 
• The relationship was raised to the ambassadorial level in 1952.India maintains an embassy in Addis Ababa and Ethiopia in New Delhi. 
• The two countries have enjoyed close and friendly relations with India supporting Ethiopian developmental efforts while Ethiopia has supported Indian interests such as its claim to a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
• India and Ethiopia share a common understanding on such issues as cross-border international terrorism, the need and direction for reform of the United Nations, and the importance of action on climate change.
• India and Ethiopia signed a Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement.
• India has agreed to cooperate with Ethiopia in the agricultural sector for the development of the meat and dairy sectors.
• The Indian Army is involved in training and developing a manual for the Ethiopian Army.

India-Sudan Relations

• Relations between India and Sudan date back to ancient times. Evidence indicated that there were contacts and possibly trade between Nilotic and Indus Valley Civilizations via Mesopotamia.
• As a new nation emerges in Africa, India always ready to shape its policy to deal with impending changes in Sudan. 
• India’s deep engagement with Sudan suggests that its role in post referendum Sudan is important.
• India is the second-largest exporter to Sudan, after China.
• Students of Sudan comes to India for their higher studies till date more than 30000 students graduated.