Amman, Dec 16 (UNI) Wrapping up a highly productive visit to Jordan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday has proceeded to Ethiopia at the invitation of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, marking the second leg of his significant three-nation diplomatic tour.
Scheduled to land on Tuesday, the visit is historic as it represents PM Modi’s first-ever official state visit to Ethiopia, often referred to as the “Land of Origins.” This landmark visit comes at a crucial moment in India–Africa relations. Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, is not only the political heart of the country but also the headquarters of the African Union.
The visit gains added significance in the backdrop of the African Union’s admission as a permanent member of the G20 during India’s presidency in 2023, symbolizing India’s strong commitment to amplifying the voice of the Global South.
The atmosphere in Addis Ababa is vibrant and celebratory as members of the Indian diaspora eagerly waiting to welcome the Prime Minister.
During his two-day stay, PM Modi will hold high-level bilateral talks with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, aimed at deepening cooperation across multiple sectors, including agriculture, investment and development cooperation. The duo had met on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Johannesburg in 2023.
In a special diplomatic gesture, Prime Minister Modi will address a Joint Session of the Ethiopian Parliament, where he is expected to highlight India’s democratic journey, shared civilizational values, and the immense potential of the India–Ethiopia partnership, particularly in education, healthcare, technology, and development initiatives for the Global South. There are also strong expectations of expanded collaboration in the medical and healthcare sectors.
Before departing New Delhi, PM Modi emphasized the strategic importance of Addis Ababa, underscoring its central role in shaping Africa’s collective future. He recalled India’s successful leadership during the G20 Presidency, which ushered in a more inclusive global framework with the African Union’s permanent membership.
The Ethiopia visit follows a highly successful stop in Jordan, where PM Modi described the outcomes as a major leap forward in bilateral relations. Key achievements included enhanced cooperation in digital innovation, water management, and renewable energy. A standout highlight was the signing of a “Twinning Agreement” between Petra and Ellora, aimed at boosting tourism, cultural exchange, and heritage conservation.
UNI AAB