PM Modi conferred with Ethiopia’s highest honour as India-Ethiopia ties elevated to strategic partnership

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Tuesday conferred with Ethiopia’s highest civilian honour, the Great Honor Nishan of Ethiopia, marking a significant moment in India–Africa relations as New Delhi and Addis Ababa elevated their bilateral ties to a strategic partnership. The award was presented by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali at a special ceremony held at the Addis International Convention Centre, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.

The honour came during Modi’s first-ever visit to Ethiopia, the second leg of his three-nation tour. In a gesture that underscored the warmth of bilateral relations, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed personally received Modi at the Addis Ababa airport and later drove him to his hotel and the Science Museum, highlighting Ethiopia’s emphasis on science, innovation and development.

During delegation-level talks at the National Palace, the two leaders discussed expanding cooperation across a wide range of sectors, including trade and investment, defence, innovation, digital public infrastructure, health, food security, capacity-building and technology. Referring to centuries-old civilisational and trade links, Modi described India and Ethiopia as “fellow travellers and partners in the Global South” and democratic forces committed to peace and the welfare of humanity.

Announcing the elevation of ties, Modi said the strategic partnership would bring “new energy, new speed and new depth” to bilateral relations. He added that a detailed roadmap would be developed to fully realise the potential between the two countries. Modi also highlighted Ethiopia’s importance as a diplomatic hub, noting that it hosts the African Union headquarters and recalling that the AU became a permanent member of the G20 during India’s presidency in 2023.

Several agreements were signed during the visit, including a pact on cooperation and mutual assistance in customs matters, an MoU for setting up a data centre at Ethiopia’s foreign ministry, and an implementing arrangement for training cooperation in UN peacekeeping operations. The two sides also finalised an MoU on debt restructuring for Ethiopia under the G20 Common Framework.

Modi announced the doubling of ICCR scholarships for Ethiopian students and said India would organise short-term specialised courses in artificial intelligence under the ITEC programme. India will also support capacity-building at the Mahatma Gandhi Hospital in Addis Ababa, particularly in maternal and neonatal healthcare.

Thanking Ethiopia for expressing solidarity after the Pahalgam terror attack, Modi said support from friendly nations is crucial in the global fight against terrorism. Accepting the Nishan of Ethiopia, Modi said it was an honour to receive the award from one of the world’s most ancient civilisations and dedicated it to the people of both nations who have strengthened bilateral ties over decades. He also acknowledged the contribution of Indian teachers to Ethiopia’s development for more than a century.