In a significant moment for India-Africa relations, Ethiopia bestowed its highest civilian honor, The Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia, upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his state visit. This prestigious award marks a historic milestone, as PM Modi becomes the first global head of state or government to receive this distinguished recognition from Ethiopia.
The esteemed award was presented by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, underscoring the strong personal rapport between the two leaders. PM Modi expressed his profound gratitude, dedicating the honor to the 1.4 billion people of India and acknowledging the ancient and prosperous civilization of Ethiopia. He specifically thanked PM Abiy Ahmed Ali for his personal invitation, highlighting their recent meeting at the G20 Summit in South Africa.
During his address, PM Modi emphasized the vital role of educators in fostering the deep-rooted ties between India and Ethiopia, viewing education as a cornerstone of national progress. He noted that while normal diplomatic processes might take longer, the warmth and affection shown by Ethiopia brought him to the nation swiftly. He proudly acknowledged the significant contributions of Indian teachers in Ethiopia’s development and the continued service of Indian faculty at Ethiopian universities.
Looking ahead, Prime Minister Modi articulated a vision for future partnerships built on trust and shared objectives, pledging to collaborate with Ethiopia on addressing global challenges and creating new opportunities. The visit culminated in the formal elevation of bilateral relations to a strategic partnership, a move intended to inject new energy, speed, and depth into the Indo-Ethiopian relationship. This strategic alliance aims to strengthen cooperation across various sectors, building on thousands of years of civilizational contact and shared values as partners of the Global South.