Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the Ethiopian Parliament on Wednesday, said Ethiopia made him “feel at home,” drawing a cultural parallel between Ethiopia and his home state of Gujarat, both known as lands of lions.
“Ethiopia is the land of lions. I feel very much at home because my home state, Gujarat, in India is also home to lions,” PM Modi said, conveying greetings of friendship and goodwill on behalf of 1.4 billion people of India.
Shared Civilisational Values Highlighted
The Prime Minister underlined common cultural values, noting that India’s national song ‘Vande Mataram’ and Ethiopia’s national anthem both describe the nation as a mother.
“They inspire us to take pride in our heritage, culture and beauty, and to protect our motherland,” he said.
India–Ethiopia Cooperation Across Key Sectors
PM Modi highlighted India’s role in supporting Ethiopia during the COVID-19 pandemic, stating that India supplied over four million vaccine doses. He also noted that Indian companies are among the largest foreign investors in Ethiopia.
Earlier, the Prime Minister described the outcomes of his visit as a “significant” step towards strengthening a bilateral partnership focused on growth and people-centric development.
Also Read – MEA Summons Bangladesh High Commissioner Over Anti-India Remarks and Threats to Diplomatic Mission
Strategic Partnership and Agreements Signed
PM Modi arrived in Ethiopia on Tuesday on his first bilateral visit to the country, during which the two nations elevated their relationship to a Strategic Partnership.
Following wide-ranging talks with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, the two leaders witnessed the exchange of three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in the areas of UN Peacekeeping Operations Training, Mutual Administrative Assistance in Customs Matters, and the establishment of a Data Centre at Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The two sides also announced cooperation on debt restructuring under the G20 framework, increased ICCR scholarships, AI short courses, and support for maternal and neonatal healthcare.
Commitment to Global South and Counter-Terrorism
In a post on X, PM Modi said the agreements reflected a trusted partnership focused on empowering people through governance, peacekeeping, education, digital capacity and healthcare.
During a press briefing, Sudhakar Dalela, Secretary (Economic Relations) in the Ministry of External Affairs, said PM Modi thanked Ethiopia for its strong support in the fight against terrorism in all its forms.
Also Read – BJP Targets Congress After Omar Abdullah Distances INDIA Bloc From ‘Vote Chori’ Allegations
Highest Civilian Honour Conferred
PM Modi, who arrived in Ethiopia from Jordan, was conferred Ethiopia’s highest national award — The Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia. He is the first global head of state to receive the honour.
Later in the day, the Prime Minister is scheduled to address a Joint Session of the Ethiopian Parliament, where he will speak on India’s journey as the “Mother of Democracy” and the role of the India–Ethiopia partnership in advancing the Global South.
From Ethiopia, PM Modi will proceed to Oman, marking the final leg of his three-nation tour.
