‘Matter Of Pride’: PM Modi Becomes First Head Of State To Receive Ethiopia's Prestigious Honour

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred Ethiopia’s highest award, “The Great Honor Nishan of Ethiopia,” marking the 28th foreign state honour bestowed on him, as he begins his first bilateral visit to the African nation and holds talks with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali.

Modi arrived in Addis Ababa from Jordan on the second leg of his three-nation tour.  Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali personally received him at the airport, highlighting the significance Ethiopia attached to the visit.

In a rare and symbolic gesture, Abiy Ahmed Ali also drove Prime Minister Modi to his hotel, underlining the close ties and mutual respect between the two leaders as India and Ethiopia seek to further strengthen their bilateral relationship.

PM

Modi posted on X, “I have been awarded the ‘Great Honour of the Nishan of Ethiopia’, the highest honour of this country. It is a matter of great pride for me to be honoured by one of the world’s most ancient and rich civilisations.”

मुझे ‘Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia’ के रूप में, इस देश का सर्वोच्च सम्मान प्रदान किया गया है।

विश्व की अति-प्राचीन और समृद्ध सभ्यता द्वारा सम्मानित किया जाना, मेरे लिए बहुत गौरव की बात है: PM @narendramodi

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) December 16, 2025

The award, established in September 2024, is given to an individual, group or organisation that has carried out outstanding work in diplomacy, politics, economic or social sectors, or to a country or leader who has provided special support to Ethiopia. So far, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has been the first and only recipient of the honour, having been awarded in June 2025 for 25 years of transformative developmental impact through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

With the conferment of the honour, Prime Minister Modi becomes the first international head of state or government to receive the Great Honor Nishan of Ethiopia.

Modi arrived in Addis Ababa from Jordan on the second leg of his three-nation tour and was accorded a warm ceremonial welcome. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali personally received him at the airport, underscoring the importance Ethiopia attached to the visit.

In a rare and special gesture, Abiy Ahmed Ali also drove Prime Minister Modi to his hotel, highlighting the close ties and mutual respect between the two leaders as India and Ethiopia look to further strengthen their bilateral relationship.