Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Tuesday conferred with Ethiopia’s highest civilian award, “The Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia,” becoming the first serving Head of State or Government in the world to receive the prestigious accolade. The honour was presented 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 top foreign state honours, underscoring his growing global stature and India’s expanding diplomatic influence.
Accepting the award, PM Modi said the honour belongs to the people of India. “To be recognised by one of the world’s most ancient civilisations is a matter of immense pride. I humbly accept this honour on behalf of 140 crore Indians,” he said, adding that the trust and contributions of Indians have strengthened India–Ethiopia relations.
India–Ethiopia Relations Upgraded to Strategic Partnership
During bilateral discussions, India and Ethiopia agreed to elevate their ties to a strategic partnership, a move PM Modi said would infuse “new energy, new speed and new depth” into bilateral cooperation. He highlighted that both countries are democratic partners committed to peace, development and the collective welfare of the Global South.
The Prime Minister also spoke about the deep-rooted people-to-people connections between the two nations, particularly the contribution of Indian teachers to Ethiopia’s education system. Calling education the foundation of national progress, he said such cooperation has helped build enduring bonds.
PM Modi further recalled Ethiopia’s consistent support to India on global platforms and highlighted India’s role in facilitating the African Union’s permanent membership in the G20 in 2023.
Welcoming PM Modi, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali said Ethiopia’s economy is performing strongly and expressed confidence that the upgraded partnership would open new avenues of cooperation. The BJP described the honour as a reflection of India’s rising global standing and PM Modi’s respected leadership on the world stage.
