PM Modi Concludes Ethiopia Visit; PM Abiy Ahmed Personally Sees Him Off

Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his high-impact two-day visit to Ethiopia with a powerful display of personal diplomacy as Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali himself drove the Indian leader to the airport and bid him farewell.

The rare gesture capped a visit that blended symbolism, strategy, and strong political messaging, reinforcing the growing depth of India-Ethiopia relations.

PM Modi departed Addis Ababa for Oman, the final leg of his three-nation tour, after a schedule marked by parliamentary engagement, cultural resonance, and visible warmth between the two leaders.

Abiy Ahmed’s decision to personally escort PM Modi to the airport carried clear diplomatic weight. He had extended the same courtesy on PM Modi’s arrival, driving him from the airport to his hotel, signalling trust and personal rapport beyond protocol.

Key Engagements During PM Modi’s Ethiopia Itinerary

Earlier in the day, the two leaders planted a sapling in Addis Ababa as part of India’s global environmental initiative, ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’.

The act served as a symbolic reaffirmation of shared responsibility toward sustainability and future generations, while reinforcing a people-centric approach to diplomacy.

PM Modi also addressed a joint session of the Ethiopian Parliament, delivering a speech rich in historical parallels and civilisational messaging.

He drew a powerful connection between India’s national song, Vande Mataram, and Ethiopia’s national anthem, March Forward, Dear Mother Ethiopia, noting that both nations revere their land as ‘mother’.

Prime Minister Modi said this shared outlook reflects a deeper emotional bond rooted in respect for heritage, culture, and national identity.

Calling the address a privilege, PM Modi later said he conveyed India’s firm commitment to strengthening bilateral ties based on mutual trust, shared values, and a common vision for peace and development.

He highlighted India’s guiding principle of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayaas, linking inclusive growth with emotional attachment to the motherland.

PM Modi also invoked science and philosophy to underline civilisational unity.

Referring to the discovery of early human footprints in Ethiopia, including the famed Lucy of Dinkinesh, he said humanity shares a common beginning.

Quoting Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, the world is one family, he argued that shared origins demand shared destinies, beyond borders and politics.

Tributes to Ethiopia’s History

During the visit, PM Modi paid tribute at the Adwa Victory Monument and toured the Adwa Museum, engaging with Ethiopia’s proud history of resistance and independence.

Pm Modi also interacted extensively with Ethiopian ministers and lawmakers following his parliamentary address.

In recognition of his contribution to bilateral relations, Ethiopia conferred its highest civilian honour, the Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia, on PM Modi. He expressed deep gratitude to the Ethiopian government and people.

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed Addis Ababa with Abiy Ahmed at his side, the message was unmistakable. This visit was not ceremonial diplomacy.

It marked a confident, trust-driven partnership between two nations, positioning them as influential voices across the Global South.

Also Read: ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’: PM Modi, Ethiopian PM Plant Tree In Capital Addis Ababa