'This belongs to countless Indians': Modi conferred Ethiopia's highest award
What's the story
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been conferred with the "Great Honor Nishan of Ethiopia," Ethiopia's highest award. The award was presented to him by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali during a special ceremony at the Addis International Convention Centre. This makes PM Modi the first global Head of State or Government to receive this prestigious honor.
Award dedication
Modi dedicates award to Indians, pledges stronger ties
Expressing his gratitude, PM Modi took to X to thank the Ethiopian government and people. He said it was a matter of immense pride to be honored by such an ancient civilization. "To be honored by a very ancient and prosperous civilisation of the world is a matter of great pride for me. On behalf of all Indians, I humbly accept this honor. This award is for all those numerous Indians who shaped our partnership," he wrote.
Bilateral elevation
Ethiopia-India relations elevated to 'Strategic partnership'
PM Modi's visit to Ethiopia has elevated bilateral ties to a "Strategic Partnership." The two countries discussed cooperation in various fields, including economy, defense, and technology. Key outcomes of the visit include agreements on customized cooperation, establishment of a data center, and training for UN peacekeeping operations. India and Ethiopia also signed an MoU on debt restructuring under the G20 Common Framework. Educational exchanges were enhanced with doubled ICCR scholarships for Ethiopian students and specialized AI courses under ITEC.
Tour details
Modi's Ethiopia visit part of larger tour
PM Modi's visit to Ethiopia is part of a three-nation tour, with the East African country being the second leg. He was received by PM Ali at the Addis Ababa airport and taken to the Science Museum. PM Modi landed in Ethiopia from Jordan. He held a one-on-one meeting with King Abdullah II at the Husseiniya Palace before delegation-level meetings. Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II also drove PM Modi to Jordan Museum, another symbolic act of personal diplomacy.