Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Tuesday conferred with Ethiopia’s highest civilian award, The Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia, becoming the first foreign head of state or government to receive the honour.
The award was presented by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali at a special ceremony held at the Addis International Convention Centre. According to a statement issued by India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the honour recognises Prime Minister Modi’s contribution to strengthening bilateral ties between India and Ethiopia and his leadership on the global stage.
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Accepting the award, Prime Minister Modi said he was honoured by the recognition and dedicated it to the people of India. “Grateful to the people and Government of Ethiopia as well as Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali for conferring upon me the ‘Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia’ last evening. To be honoured by one of the world’s most ancient and rich civilisations is a matter of immense pride. This honour belongs to the countless Indians who have shaped and strengthened our partnership over the years. India remains committed to further cementing cooperation with Ethiopia to address evolving global challenges and also to create new opportunities.,” he said in a post on X.
Modi highlights civilisational ties and people-to-people links
Speaking at the ceremony, Prime Minister Modi said it was a privilege to receive the honour from one of the world’s most ancient civilisations. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the people of Ethiopia, noting that he accepted the award with humility and appreciation.
He also praised Prime Minister Abiy’s leadership and initiatives aimed at national unity, sustainability and inclusive development. Emphasising the importance of knowledge and education in nation-building, Prime Minister Modi said Indian teachers have contributed to Ethiopia’s progress for more than a century.
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The Prime Minister dedicated the award to Indians and Ethiopians who have nurtured bilateral ties over generations and conveyed thanks on behalf of India’s 1.4 billion people for the honour.
The conferment marks a milestone in India–Ethiopia relations and reflects the growing partnership between the two countries, particularly in advancing cooperation among nations of the Global South, the ministry said.
