Strategic Partnership and Highest HonourPrime Minister Modi expressed gratitude to the Government and people of Ethiopia for conferring upon him the “Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia,” the country’s highest civilian award. Calling it a recognition of the strong bonds between the two nations, he said the honour belonged to the people of India.He also welcomed the elevation of India–Ethiopia ties to a strategic partnership during the visit, describing it as a natural progression of a relationship rooted in trust, mutual respect and shared aspirations.
Shared Civilizational Bonds
Recalling the civilizational links between the two ancient nations, the Prime Minister said India and Ethiopia combine timeless wisdom with modern ambition. He drew a symbolic parallel between India’s national song “Vande Mataram” and Ethiopia’s national anthem, noting that both revere the land as a mother.
Highlighting shared historical struggles, he recalled the role of Indian soldiers who fought alongside Ethiopians during the country’s liberation in 1941. He described his visit to the Adwa Victory Monument as a deeply moving tribute to the sacrifices made by the Ethiopian people.
Development Partnership
Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s commitment to strengthening its development partnership with Ethiopia. He acknowledged the long-standing contribution of Indian teachers, professionals and businesses to Ethiopia’s growth and prosperity.
Sharing India’s development journey, he spoke about achievements in digital public infrastructure, food processing, innovation and skill development. He conveyed India’s readiness to continue extending development support aligned with Ethiopia’s national priorities.
Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam in Action
Emphasising India’s guiding philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” — the world is one family — the Prime Minister said India remains committed to serving humanity. He noted that it was a privilege for India to supply vaccines to Ethiopia during the COVID-19 pandemic under the Vaccine Maitri initiative.
He also thanked Ethiopia for its solidarity with India in the global fight against terrorism, underlining the importance of collective action against shared threats.
Voice of the Global South
Calling for greater unity among developing nations, Prime Minister Modi said India and Ethiopia, as members of the Global South, must stand together to amplify the voices of developing countries on the world stage.
Highlighting Addis Ababa’s pivotal role as the headquarters of the African Union, he said India was honoured to welcome the African Union as a permanent member of the G20 during its presidency. Official details of India’s G20 initiatives are available through the Press Information Bureau.
India–Africa Engagement
The Prime Minister said India–Africa relations have expanded significantly over the past 11 years, with over 100 high-level visits exchanged between the two sides. He reaffirmed India’s deep commitment to Africa’s development and prosperity.
Referring to his proposal at the Johannesburg G20 Summit, he highlighted the Africa Skills Multiplier Initiative, aimed at training one million trainers across the continent. Further information on India–Africa cooperation can be accessed through india.gov.in.
Shared Democratic Aspirations
Concluding his address, Prime Minister Modi thanked the Speaker of the Ethiopian Parliament for the opportunity to share India’s journey with a fellow democracy. He said the Global South was no longer waiting for direction but was actively shaping its own destiny.
The address was received with warm appreciation, underscoring the growing strategic, political and people-to-people ties between India and Ethiopia.