Diplomacy On Wheels: From Putin To Abiy, Car Gestures Mark PM Modi’s Global Friendships

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Ethiopia for a two-day visit- his first bilateral trip to the African nation- Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali made a notable gesture by personally receiving him at the Addis Ababa airport and driving him to his hotel. The move showed the warmth of India–Ethiopia ties and highlighted India’s deepening engagement with the African continent.

During the drive, the two leaders made an unscheduled stop at the Science Museum and Friendship Park, lending an informal touch to the diplomatic visit. The Ministry of External Affairs described the welcome as “special,” calling it a reflection of the strong and historic relationship between the two countries.

PM Modi is expected to hold wide-ranging discussions

with Prime Minister Abiy during the visit, covering political cooperation, trade, energy and India’s broader engagement with Africa, including initiatives under the Mattei Plan for Africa.

PM Modi’s Diplomacy On Wheels

The Ethiopia visit adds to a series of high-profile instances where PM Modi has shared informal car rides with world leaders during official engagements.

Earlier this week, PM Modi concluded a two-day visit to Jordan marking 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. In another departure from protocol, Jordan’s Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II personally drove PM Modi to the Jordan Museum in Amman. The visit was the first bilateral trip by an Indian prime minister to Jordan in 37 years.

Similar scenes played out when Russian President Vladimir Putin, during a recent visit to India, travelled alongside PM Modi in a Toyota Fortuner from Palam Airport to 7 Lok Kalyan Marg. On another occasion, PM Modi joined Vladimir Putin in his Aurus Senat limousine during an SCO summit.

The repeated use of such informal gestures during official visits has become a recognisable aspect of PM Modi’s approach to engaging with foreign leaders.