PM Narendra Modi Conferred Ethiopia’s Highest Civilian Honour, Marking a New Chapter in Bilateral Relations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred Ethiopia’s highest civilian award, the Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia, during his landmark visit to Addis Ababa on 16 December 2025. The honour was presented by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali at a formal ceremony, reflecting Ethiopia’s deep appreciation for Modiji’s leadership and his role in strengthening ties between the two nations. The conferment marked a historic moment, as Modiji became the first global head of government to receive this prestigious distinction.

The award symbolises Ethiopia’s recognition of India’s growing engagement with Africa and Modiji’s emphasis on building partnerships rooted in mutual respect, development cooperation, and shared civilisational values.

The highest national award of the country, named "Grand Order of the Star of Ethiopia," was conferred on Prime Minister Narendra Modi by Ethiopian counterpart Abiy Ahmed Ali.Image Source : X/@MEAIndia | India TV News

Elevating India–Ethiopia Ties to a Strategic Partnership

The honour coincided with a major diplomatic breakthrough as India and Ethiopia elevated their bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership. High-level discussions during the visit focused on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, technology, healthcare, education, capacity building, and regional security. Both leaders emphasised collaboration that supports inclusive growth and long-term development, particularly within the framework of South-South cooperation.

Ethiopia, one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies and a key voice in continental affairs, is viewed as an important partner in India’s Africa outreach. The strategic upgrade reflects a shared vision of deeper economic engagement and stronger coordination on global and multilateral platforms.

Modiji’s Address and the Civilisational Connect

Accepting the award, Prime Minister Modi described it as a deep honour and dedicated it to the people of India, acknowledging the historic bonds that link the two ancient civilisations. He highlighted the long presence of Indians in Ethiopia, particularly teachers, professionals, and traders, who have contributed to Ethiopia’s development and fostered people-to-people ties over decades.

During his visit, Modiji also addressed a joint session of the Ethiopian Parliament, where he spoke about shared values, anti-colonial legacies, and the importance of cooperation among nations of the Global South. He underlined India’s commitment to partnerships based on dignity, sovereignty, and mutual benefit rather than dependency.

Symbolic Gestures and Diplomatic Warmth

The visit was marked by exceptional diplomatic warmth. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed personally welcomed Modiji on arrival and drove him to his hotel, a rare gesture reflecting the close personal rapport between the two leaders. Such moments reinforced the message that India–Ethiopia relations are not limited to formal diplomacy but are anchored in trust and goodwill.

Modiji’s engagements also included visits to key cultural and historical sites, underscoring respect for Ethiopia’s heritage and its historic resistance to colonialism—an experience India deeply relates to.

Broader Strategic and Global Significance

The conferment of Ethiopia’s highest civilian honour on Modiji highlights India’s rising stature in Africa and its expanding role as a development partner. Ethiopia’s membership in BRICS further adds strategic depth to the relationship, positioning India and Ethiopia as important collaborators in shaping a more balanced and representative global order.

The visit also fits within India’s broader diplomatic push to strengthen ties across Africa, the Middle East, and other regions through sustained political engagement and economic cooperation.

The MGMM Outlook

Prime Minister Narendra Modi being conferred Ethiopia’s highest civilian honour reflects the growing depth and credibility of India’s engagement with Africa. The recognition goes beyond personal acclaim and underscores Ethiopia’s appreciation of India’s development-oriented diplomacy, which prioritises mutual respect, capacity building, and long-term partnership over transactional ties. The elevation of India–Ethiopia relations to a Strategic Partnership during the visit signals shared intent to expand cooperation across trade, technology, healthcare, education, and regional stability, while reinforcing coordination on multilateral platforms representing the Global South.

The warmth displayed during the visit, combined with references to civilisational links and people-to-people ties, highlights a relationship rooted in history as much as in contemporary geopolitics. Ethiopia’s growing global influence, including its role in BRICS, adds strategic significance to closer alignment with India at a time when emerging economies are seeking a more balanced global order. The honour and the accompanying diplomatic engagements collectively point to a maturing partnership that strengthens India’s standing in Africa while positioning Ethiopia as a key collaborator in shaping future South–South cooperation.

(Sources: India TV News, NDTV, Times of India)