Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a historic address to a joint session of the Ethiopian Parliament on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone in bilateral relations. This visit saw India and Ethiopia elevate their relationship to a Strategic Partnership, focusing on enhanced cooperation across multiple sectors.
A Historic Address in the Temple of Democracy
Standing before the Ethiopian lawmakers, PM Modi expressed his deep honour at addressing what he called the "temple of democracy" in a nation of ancient wisdom. He conveyed the warm greetings of 1.4 billion Indians to the people of Ethiopia. This was the 18th parliament globally that the Indian Prime Minister has addressed, underscoring India's active global diplomatic engagement.
In his speech, PM Modi eloquently connected the democratic processes of both nations. "In this great building, the will of the people becomes the will of the state. When the wheel of the state moves in harmony with the wheel of the people, the wheel of progress moves forward with hope and purpose," he stated, highlighting the shared democratic ethos.
Cultural Bonds and Civilisational Links
The Prime Minister forged powerful cultural connections, referring to Ethiopia as the ‘land of lions’ and drawing a parallel with his home state of Gujarat, which is also home to Asiatic lions. He emphasized the ancient civilisational roots of both countries, noting that history lives in Ethiopia's landscapes and the spirit of its people.
A poignant moment of shared heritage was highlighted when PM Modi pointed out that both India's national song, Vande Mataram, and Ethiopia's national anthem refer to the motherland as "mother". "They inspire us to take pride in our cultural heritage and to protect the motherland," he remarked. This connection was beautifully illustrated a day earlier when Ethiopian singers performed Vande Mataram at a banquet in his honour, a gesture Modi found deeply moving, especially during the 150th-anniversary year of the song.
Strategic Partnership and Key Agreements
The parliamentary address followed extensive talks between PM Modi and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali on Tuesday. The cornerstone outcome was the elevation of bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership. The discussions paved the way for robust collaboration in several critical areas:
- Food and Health Security: Cooperation to ensure stable supplies and healthcare resilience.
- Digital Public Infrastructure: Sharing India's expertise in digital governance and platforms.
- Pharmaceuticals and Medical Tourism: Enhancing trade in medicines and promoting Ethiopia as a healthcare destination.
- Energy and Critical Minerals: Exploring partnerships in sustainable energy and resource development.
- Capacity Building: Continued Indian support for training and skill development in Ethiopia.
In a distinguished honour, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed conferred upon PM Modi the ‘Grand Honour Nishan of Ethiopia’, the country's highest civilian award. Accepting it with humility, PM Modi stated, "I accept this honour with folded hands and humility on behalf of the people of India."
This visit reinforces India's commitment to strengthening ties with African nations, with Ethiopia being a key partner. The new Strategic Partnership framework is expected to inject fresh momentum into economic and developmental cooperation, benefiting both ancient civilizations as they stride confidently into the future.
