Addis Ababa, Dec 17, 2025: Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali expressed heartfelt gratitude to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Hindi during talks in Addis Ababa, underlining the strengthening bilateral relationship between India and Ethiopia. His gesture highlights deepening diplomatic, cultural and historic ties between the two nations amid Modi’s first bilateral visit to the African nation.
#WATCH | PM of Ethiopia, Abiy Ahmed Ali received PM Narendra Modi at the Addis Ababa airport. In a unique gesture, he also drove PM Modi to the hotel.
On the way, he took a special initiative of taking PM Modi to the Science Museum and Friendship Park, which was not in the… pic.twitter.com/bZpHMRX5kj
— ANI (@ANI) December 16, 2025
Abiy Ahmed Speaks in Hindi to Thank PM Modi
In a notable and symbolic gesture of friendship, PM Abiy Ahmed Ali addressed Indian guests and officials in Hindi, thanking PM Modi for his visit and emphasizing the importance of close cooperation between the two countries. His use of Hindi, a language not native to Ethiopia, underscores the personal warmth and diplomatic respect between the leaders.
Abiy praised India’s role in supporting Ethiopia’s development and reiterated Ethiopia’s commitment to strengthening ties in multiple areas including trade, culture, education, and capacity‑building.
Modi’s Visit and Strategic Partnership Elevation
PM Narendra Modi is on his first bilateral visit to Ethiopia, marking a key moment in diplomacy between the two nations. During extensive bilateral talks, both leaders elevated India–Ethiopia relations to a “Strategic Partnership” and agreed to deepen cooperation in sectors such as economy, health, innovation, technology, defense and education.
The leaders also signed several memorandums of understanding (MoUs) covering training in UN peacekeeping operations, customs cooperation and data infrastructure development—moves aimed at enhancing practical collaboration.
Recognition and Shared Goals
During the visit, Ethiopia conferred its highest civilian honour — The Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia — on PM Modi, recognizing his contributions to bolstering India–Ethiopia relations and mutual cooperation.
Both leaders highlighted historical ties rooted in centuries of trade, cultural exchange, and shared visions for global South solidarity and inclusive development. They also discussed future cooperation in areas such as digital public infrastructure, capacity building and student scholarships, including expanding opportunities for Ethiopian students in India.