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Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Ethiopia in December 2025 was far more than a routine diplomatic engagement. It marked his first-ever bilateral visit to the country and unfolded as a moment of renewed connection between two ancient civilisations now navigating a rapidly changing world. Addressing a joint session of the Ethiopian Parliament on December 17, Prime Minister Modi spoke not only as a visiting leader, but as a partner reaching out with a long-term vision rooted in equality, shared values, and mutual respect.

From the outset, the visit carried symbolic weight. Modi’s arrival in Addis Ababa on December 16 was met with warmth and ceremony, reflecting Ethiopia’s regard for India as a trusted friend. When he opened his parliamentary address with greetings in the local language, it set a tone of cultural sensitivity and genuine engagement. His reference to Ethiopia as the “land of lions” and its connection to Gujarat’s Asiatic lions created an immediate emotional bridge, reinforcing the idea that geography may differ, but cultural symbolism often overlaps.

Natural Partners in a Strategic Landscape

A central theme of the Prime Minister’s address was the idea that India and Ethiopia are “natural partners.” He framed this partnership through geography as much as through values: Ethiopia as a crossroads of Africa, and India as a central force in the Indian Ocean region. Together, he suggested, they occupy positions of influence that make cooperation on regional peace, security, and connectivity not just beneficial, but necessary.

This alignment has already taken concrete form. Modi highlighted the Defence Cooperation Agreement signed earlier in 2025, describing it as a foundation for deeper strategic trust. The agreement extends beyond traditional military ties to include cybersecurity, defence manufacturing, joint research, and capacity building. Rather than projecting power, the focus, he noted, is on stability, preparedness, and shared responsibility.

Shared Resolve Against Global Threats

In a world facing persistent security challenges, Prime Minister Modi underscored the importance of solidarity. He thanked Ethiopia for its support following the Pahalgam terror attack and for standing firm on the principle of zero tolerance toward terrorism. His message was clear: terrorism anywhere is a threat everywhere, and cooperation among responsible nations is essential.

Addressing Ethiopian lawmakers in what he called a “temple of democracy,” Modi conveyed the goodwill of India’s 1.4 billion people. His words reflected a broader philosophy—that diplomacy is not merely state-to-state engagement, but a connection between societies and citizens.

The Global South and a New Development Narrative

One of the most forward-looking segments of the speech focused on the Global South. Modi argued that developing nations are no longer passive participants in global affairs; they are active shapers of their own destiny. India and Ethiopia, he said, share a vision of growth that is inclusive, fair, and grounded in sovereignty.

He articulated a model where the rise of the Global South is not positioned against any country, but designed to benefit all. In this context, he spoke of India’s proposal for a Global Development Compact—an initiative aimed at modernising global cooperation through technology sharing, affordable financing, capacity building, and fair trade. The message resonated with Ethiopia’s own development ambitions and its desire for partnerships built on equality rather than dependency.

Strategic Partnership and Equal Footing

A defining moment of the visit was the elevation of India–Ethiopia relations to a Strategic Partnership, jointly announced by Prime Minister Modi and Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed. Modi described this as a natural progression, reflecting the depth of trust and shared ambition between the two countries.

This new framework opens doors across a wide spectrum: technology and innovation, mining and clean energy, food security, defence cooperation, and skill development. Modi emphasised that India does not seek to lead from above, but to walk alongside Ethiopia as an equal—building together, learning together, and growing together.

An Honour Shared With a Nation

The visit carried a deeply personal moment when Prime Minister Modi was conferred Ethiopia’s highest civilian award, the Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia. Accepting the honour with humility, he dedicated it to the people of India, noting that it symbolised not individual achievement but collective friendship. Being the first global head of state to receive the award, he said, reflected the strength and sincerity of India–Ethiopia relations.

Civilisations Old, Futures New

Throughout his address, Modi drew parallels between the civilisational journeys of India and Ethiopia. Both, he said, are among the world’s oldest cultures, carrying ancient wisdom while embracing modern ambition. He highlighted a striking cultural similarity: both nations’ national songs refer to the land as a mother, underscoring a shared reverence for heritage and homeland.

In a reflective moment, he spoke of early human footprints discovered in Ethiopia, describing them as reminders of humanity’s shared origin. Whether in Addis Ababa or Ayodhya, he said, this common beginning suggests a shared responsibility for the future. He also recalled historical exchanges between the two regions, where ideas, beliefs, and traditions crossed oceans long before modern trade routes.

Economic Cooperation With Human Impact

Modi devoted significant attention to economic collaboration, grounding grand visions in practical outcomes. Indian companies, he noted, have invested more than $5 billion in Ethiopia, generating over 75,000 local jobs across manufacturing, textiles, agriculture, and healthcare. These investments, he said, are not just financial—they are about skills, livelihoods, and long-term resilience.

Recognising agriculture as a backbone of both economies, he proposed cooperation in seed development, irrigation, and soil health technologies. He also highlighted India’s Digital Public Infrastructure as a transformative tool for governance and service delivery, offering to share lessons and systems tailored to Ethiopia’s needs.

A Partner in Times of Crisis

Reflecting on the COVID-19 pandemic, Prime Minister Modi described India’s global outreach as a moral responsibility. Supplying medicines and vaccines to over 150 countries, including more than four million doses to Ethiopia, was, he said, a “proud privilege.” The episode reinforced India’s role as a dependable partner in moments of global crisis.

Democracy as a Living Journey

As he concluded his address, Modi returned to the theme of democracy—not as a static system, but as a living process shaped by people. Pointing to the opening words of both constitutions, he emphasised that ultimate power rests with citizens. His speech ended with a standing ovation, followed by warm interactions with Ethiopian ministers and parliamentarians.

Beyond formal engagements, the visit included symbolic acts: paying tribute at the Adwa Victory Monument, planting a sapling under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative aligned with Ethiopia’s Green Legacy programme, and sharing reflections on Ethiopia’s culture and resilience. Together, these moments reinforced the visit’s deeper message—a partnership rooted in respect, history, and a shared vision for a more balanced world.