In a landmark address brimming with historical resonance and personal sentiment, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stood before the Ethiopian Parliament on December 17, 2025, and described his visit as a homecoming. Speaking for the 1.4 billion people of India, the Prime Minister wove a narrative of deep civilisational bonds, tracing a connection that spans millennia across the Indian Ocean.
A Homecoming Steeped in History
Prime Minister Modi did not frame his visit as a routine diplomatic engagement. Instead, he powerfully evoked a sense of returning to shared roots. He meticulously detailed the ancient trade links and cultural exchanges that have long connected the Indian subcontinent with the Horn of Africa. Beyond commerce, he brought to light the significant but often overlooked role played by Indian soldiers in Ethiopia's struggle for liberation, adding a poignant layer to the bilateral relationship.
Civilisational Pride and Democratic Synergy
The speech was a masterful blend of cultural homage and forward-looking diplomacy. Modi invoked the patriotic hymn "Vande Mataram," symbolising the spirit of freedom cherished by both nations. He lauded Ethiopia's progress and specifically praised its dynamic youth and women leaders, aligning their aspirations with those of India's own burgeoning population. The Prime Minister positioned the common democratic journeys of India and Ethiopia as a foundational pillar for mutual understanding and cooperation in an uncertain world.
Ethiopia: A Cornerstone of India's Global South Engagement
This address was far more than a nostalgic reflection. It served as a strategic declaration of India's intent to deepen its partnership with Africa. PM Modi explicitly positioned Ethiopia as a key partner in India's vision for the Global South. The speech reinforced India's commitment to a multipolar world order where developing nations collaborate on equal footing. By highlighting shared history and values, Modi laid the groundwork for enhanced contemporary engagement in trade, development, and geopolitical coordination.
The event, marked by its emotional depth and strategic clarity, signifies a new chapter in India-Ethiopia relations. It underscores India's dedicated outreach to Africa, moving beyond traditional diplomacy to build partnerships rooted in civilisational kinship and shared futures.
