Prime Minister Narendra Modi became the first head of state or government to receive Ethiopia’s highest civilian award, the ‘Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia’, conferred by Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed on 16 December 2025 during his official bilateral visit to Addis Ababa.
The prestigious honour acknowledges Modi’s exceptional contributions to strengthening India-Ethiopia bilateral ties and his visionary leadership as a global statesman, as outlined in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) statement.
Modi dedicated the award to 1.4 billion Indians and all those Indians and Ethiopians who have nurtured these historic relations over ages, describing it as a milestone in advancing the Global South agenda.
This event, held at the Addis International Convention Centre, underscores deepening people-to-people and strategic partnerships amid shared priorities like sustainable development and mutual growth.
Ceremony Highlights and Symbolic Gestures of Respect
The conferment ceremony was a grand affair at the Addis International Convention Centre, following Modi’s arrival from Jordan as part of his broader diplomatic itinerary.
Dr Abiy Ahmed extended an extraordinary welcome, personally receiving Modi at the airport and driving him to his hotel in a convoy a rare honour symbolising profound mutual respect between the two leaders. During the event, Modi expressed heartfelt gratitude, stating on X (formerly Twitter): “I am honoured to be conferred with the ‘Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia’ and dedicate it to the 140 crore people of India.”
The MEA elaborated that the award celebrates Modi’s role in fostering the partnership, with both leaders later participating in a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, a cultural ritual that humanises diplomacy and highlights enduring bonds.
Ethiopian officials praised Modi’s global vision, noting how his initiatives have elevated India-Ethiopia collaboration in key areas. This gesture not only marks a personal milestone for Modi his 28th international honour but also reinforces the warmth in bilateral exchanges.
Visit Strengthens Centuries-Old Historic Partnership
India and Ethiopia share deep-rooted ties dating back centuries, forged through ancient trade routes, cultural exchanges, and solidarity during Ethiopia’s struggles against colonialism.
Addis Ababa, as the headquarters of the African Union, holds strategic importance, and India has long supported Ethiopia’s development through capacity-building programmes, scholarships, and infrastructure projects.
Modi’s visit (16-17 December 2025) is his first bilateral trip to the country, building on recent high-level engagements and focusing on expanding cooperation in defence, digital technology, trade, agriculture, and renewable energy areas aligned with both nations’ aspirations for self-reliance and sustainable progress.
The timing aligns with Global South priorities, including climate resilience and economic empowerment, where India positions itself as a reliable partner.
Preceding this, Modi held talks in Jordan, creating a ripple of strengthened regional diplomacy. Post-award, discussions are expected to yield new agreements, further cementing Ethiopia’s role as a key African ally for India amid evolving geopolitical dynamics.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This landmark honour exemplifies how visionary leadership and diplomatic goodwill can bridge nations, promoting peace, empathy, and harmonious coexistence in a divided world.
By dedicating the award to ordinary citizens of India and Ethiopia, Modi shifts focus from individual glory to collective triumph, embodying values of kindness and shared prosperity that inspire positive social change.
At The Logical Indian, we applaud such milestones that prioritise dialogue over discord, fostering partnerships for global challenges like poverty alleviation and environmental sustainability.
