My visit has given fresh momentum to India-Ethiopia ties: PM Modi

December 17, 2025

Addis Ababa: Expressing gratitude for the warm welcome extended by the people of Ethiopia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed confidence that his visit has given new momentum to bilateral relations and further strengthened ties based on shared values ​​and a common vision for the future.

He also thanked Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, who personally came to the airport to see him off.

Prime Minister Modi wrote on social media platform X (formerly Twitter):
“Concluding a truly memorable visit to Ethiopia, I carry with me the warmth of its people and the depth of our enduring friendship. During this visit, I had fruitful discussions with Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali and had the privilege of addressing the Ethiopian Parliament. This visit has given new momentum to India-Ethiopia relations and strengthened our ties based on shared values ​​and a common vision for the future. We have elevated our relationship to a strategic partnership, which will greatly benefit both our countries. I express my gratitude to the Government and people of Ethiopia. Also, a special thank you to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali for coming to the airport to see me off as I departed from Ethiopia.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his two-day visit to Ethiopia on Wednesday and departed for Oman, the third and final leg of his three-nation tour. In a special and heartfelt gesture, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali once again personally drove Prime Minister Modi to the airport and bid him farewell as he departed for Oman. Notably, on Tuesday, Abiy Ahmed Ali had also welcomed Prime Minister Modi at the airport and personally drove him to his hotel.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi and his Ethiopian counterpart Abiy Ahmed Ali planted a sapling in Addis Ababa under the ‘One Tree for Mother’ initiative. Prime Minister Modi wrote on X:
“After addressing the Parliament in Addis Ababa this morning, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali and other dignitaries joined me in planting a sapling as part of the ‘One Tree for Mother’ and Ethiopia’s ‘Green Legacy’ initiatives.”

Prime Minister Modi also addressed a joint session of the Ethiopian Parliament and highlighted the similarities between India’s ‘Vande Mataram’ and Ethiopia’s national anthem, ‘March Forward, Dear Mother Ethiopia,’ noting that both countries refer to their land as “mother,” reflecting their shared ethos.

He said:
“It was a great honor and privilege for me to address the Ethiopian Parliament this morning. Ethiopia’s rich history, culture, and spirit evoke deep respect and admiration. I reiterated India’s commitment to further strengthening our partnership, guided by shared values, mutual trust, and a common vision for peace, development, and cooperation.”

In his address, Prime Minister Modi stated that both India’s national song, ‘Vande Mataram,’ and Ethiopia’s national anthem view the motherland as a mother and inspire pride in heritage, culture, and beauty, and a commitment to protecting the motherland.

Prime Minister Modi said:
“The call of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas’—meaning collective effort for inclusive development, trust, and progress—reflects our sentiments towards our motherland and also mirrors our shared vision.”

After addressing Parliament, Prime Minister Modi wrote on X that he was delighted to interact with Ethiopian ministers and Members of Parliament.

Prime Minister Modi also laid a wreath at the Adwa Victory Monument in Addis Ababa and visited the Adwa Museum, where officials briefed him on the history of the African nation.

During the visit, Prime Minister Modi was also conferred with Ethiopia’s highest civilian honor, the ‘Great Honor of the Order of Ethiopia,’ for which he expressed his profound gratitude to the government and people of Ethiopia.