PM Modi Becomes First Global Leader to Receive Ethiopia’s Top Honour
Prime Minister Narendra Modi receives Ethiopia's highest civilian award.
In a significant diplomatic milestone that underscores the deepening strategic partnership between India and Ethiopia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was formally conferred with Ethiopia's highest civilian honour, the Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia. The prestigious award was presented by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali during an elaborate ceremony at the Addis International Convention Centre in Addis Ababa, highlighting the mutual respect and shared vision between the two nations.
The Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi emphasised that the honour recognises Prime Minister Modi's exceptional and sustained efforts in elevating bilateral relations to new heights, including enhanced cooperation in trade, defence, education, and technology. It also acknowledges his role as a prominent global statesman who has consistently advocated for equitable development and South-South collaboration on international platforms.
This distinction is particularly noteworthy as Prime Minister Modi becomes the very first head of state or government from any country to be bestowed with this exalted Ethiopian award, setting a historic precedent. The recognition not only reflects the personal stature of the Indian leader but also symbolises the robust and multifaceted ties that have evolved between India and Ethiopia over decades.
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Accepting the honour with profound humility, Prime Minister Modi dedicated it to the 1.4 billion citizens of India, describing it as a tribute to the enduring friendship nurtured by generations of Indians and Ethiopians alike. He expressed heartfelt appreciation for the warm gesture from the Ethiopian leadership and people, while commending Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali's forward-looking initiatives in fostering national unity, environmental sustainability, and inclusive economic growth. Modi also highlighted the longstanding contribution of Indian educators and professionals who have played a pivotal role in Ethiopia's nation-building efforts for over a century.
The conferment of the Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia marks a defining moment in India-Ethiopia relations, reinforcing their commitment to a shared agenda within the Global South. It serves as a testament to the growing influence of emerging economies in shaping a more balanced and cooperative world order, with both nations poised to explore further avenues for collaboration in the years ahead.
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