Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been conferred with Ethiopia’s highest civilian honour, The Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia, becoming the first global Head of State or Government to receive the prestigious award. The honour was presented on Tuesday by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali during PM Modi’s two-day official visit to the African nation.
With this recognition, PM Modi has now received 28 foreign State honours, underscoring India’s growing diplomatic influence and his leadership’s global impact.
Award Dedicated to the People of India
Accepting the honour, Prime Minister Modi said the award belonged to the people of India and reflected their trust and collective contribution to strengthening India–Ethiopia relations.
“To be honoured by one of the world’s most ancient civilisations is a matter of great pride. I humbly accept this recognition on behalf of 140 crore Indians,” PM Modi said.
India–Ethiopia Relations Elevated to Strategic Partnership
During bilateral discussions, India and Ethiopia agreed to elevate their relationship to a strategic partnership, marking a significant milestone in diplomatic ties. PM Modi said the decision would inject “new energy, new speed and new depth” into bilateral cooperation.
He highlighted that both nations share democratic values and are committed to peace, development, and the collective welfare of the Global South.
Historic People-to-People Ties and Global Cooperation
The Prime Minister also recalled centuries-old people-to-people connections between the two countries and praised the contribution of Indian teachers in Ethiopia’s education system, describing education as the cornerstone of national development.
PM Modi acknowledged Ethiopia’s consistent support for India on global platforms and reiterated India’s role in facilitating the African Union’s permanent membership in the G20 in 2023.
Ethiopia Praises India’s Leadership
Welcoming PM Modi, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed highlighted Ethiopia’s strong economic performance and emphasised the importance of India as a trusted development partner. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) described the honour as a reflection of India’s rising global stature and PM Modi’s widely respected leadership on the world stage.
