PM Modi to Receive Ethiopia’s Highest Civilian Honour as Abiy Ahmed Rolls Out Rare Personal Welcome

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Minister Narendra Modi will be conferred Ethiopia's highest civilian honour, “The Great Honor Nishan of Ethiopia,” marking his 28th foreign state honour, as he began his maiden bilateral visit to the African nation on Tuesday and held talks with his Ethiopian counterpart Abiy Ahmed Ali.PM Modi arrived in Addis Ababa from Jordan on the second leg of his three-nation tour and was accorded a warm and ceremonial welcome, with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali personally receiving him at the airport. In a rare and special gesture, the Ethiopian leader also drove Modi to his hotel, underscoring the importance Ethiopia attaches to the visit.

“Landed in Addis Ababa a short while ago. Honoured by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali’s gesture of welcoming me at the airport. Ethiopia is a nation with great history and vibrant culture,” Modi said in a social media post.“India and Ethiopia share deep civilisational ties. I look forward to engaging with the Ethiopian leadership to further strengthen our partnership in diverse areas,” he added.Soon after his arrival, PM Modi met Abiy Ahmed Ali at the National Palace, where the two leaders discussed issues of bilateral and mutual interest, including cooperation across diverse sectors. During informal interactions, the Ethiopian prime minister briefed Modi about different varieties of Ethiopian coffee, and the two leaders took part in a traditional coffee ceremony.“At Addis Ababa airport, took part in a traditional Coffee Ceremony with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali. The ceremony beautifully highlights Ethiopia’s rich heritage,” PM Modi said.

In another unscheduled but symbolic gesture, Abiy Ahmed Ali took PM Modi to the Science Museum and Friendship Park, even though the visit was not part of the official itinerary.

“After welcoming me at Addis Ababa airport, Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed Ali drove me to the Science Museum in the city. This Museum showcases different aspects of science and innovation and how they can be harnessed for Ethiopia’s progress,” Modi said.

The Ministry of External Affairs said the visit reflects the importance both countries place on each other as Global South partners. Addis Ababa is also the headquarters of the African Union, which became a permanent G20 member during India’s G20 presidency in 2023.