PM Modi Conferred Ethiopia’s Highest Civilian Award, Dedicates Honour to ‘Countless Indians’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday was conferred Ethiopia’s highest civilian award , the ‘Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia’ , during his official visit to the African nation, marking a significant milestone in India–Ethiopia relations.

The prestigious award was presented to Modi by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali at a formal ceremony in Addis Ababa. With this, Modi became the first foreign Head of State or Government to receive Ethiopia’s highest national honour.

Expressing gratitude after receiving the award, Modi said the recognition did not belong to him alone but to the people of India. “ This honour belongs to countless Indians ,” he said, dedicating it to those who have contributed over decades to strengthening ties between the two countries. He added that he accepted the award on behalf of India’s 1.4 billion citizens .

Modi described Ethiopia as one of the world’s oldest civilisations and said the honour reflected the deep-rooted friendship, mutual respect and shared values between the two nations. He also highlighted the role played by Indian traders, professionals, teachers, entrepreneurs and members of the diaspora in nurturing India–Ethiopia relations.

The Ethiopian government said the award was conferred in recognition of Modi’s global leadership and his efforts to deepen bilateral cooperation across sectors such as trade, education, capacity building, technology and development partnership.

Modi’s visit to Ethiopia is part of India’s broader engagement with Africa, aimed at strengthening strategic ties, enhancing economic cooperation and reinforcing South–South collaboration. India and Ethiopia have enjoyed longstanding diplomatic relations, with growing cooperation in areas including infrastructure, healthcare, education and people-to-people exchanges.

The conferral of the highest civilian honour is seen as a symbolic affirmation of the expanding partnership between India and Ethiopia and India’s increasing engagement with the African continent.