Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with Ethiopia’s most prestigious national award, ‘The Great Honor Nishan of Ethiopia,’ underscoring the robust diplomatic and strategic relationship between India and Ethiopia. This landmark achievement positions PM Modi as the first global head of state to be recognized with this highest honor.
The award ceremony in Addis Ababa celebrated PM Modi’s significant contributions to advancing the India-Ethiopia partnership and his distinguished global leadership. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali presented the award, praising Modi’s vision and efforts in strengthening bilateral cooperation. Prime Minister Modi expressed his immense gratitude and humility, viewing the honor as a testament to the enduring friendship between the two nations. He dedicated the award to the people of both countries who have consistently fostered strong ties and conveyed heartfelt thanks on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians. This recognition highlights the growing synergy between India and Ethiopia and its positive implications for the Global South.
In a significant development, Prime Minister Modi met with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, and the two leaders agreed to upgrade their bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership. Their discussions covered enhancing cooperation in critical areas such as economic development, technological advancement, defense, health, and food security. The leaders also acknowledged the historical legacy and vibrant people-to-people connections that form the bedrock of their alliance. The signing of several MoUs in areas like peacekeeping training, customs, and digital infrastructure signifies a concrete step towards deeper collaboration and mutual benefit.