Addis Ababa — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed a joint session of Ethiopia’s two houses of parliament, reaffirming the deep historical ties between India and Ethiopia and outlining a shared vision for strengthened cooperation in development, technology, and sustainable growth.
Welcoming the Prime Minister, the Speaker of the Ethiopian Parliament highlighted the long-standing relationship between the two nations, which spans centuries and is rooted in cultural, historical, economic, and political bonds. In his address, Modi described India and Ethiopia as trusted partners that have consistently worked together in international forums as advocates for the developing world.
Praising Ethiopia as one of the world’s oldest civilizations, Modi referred to the country as the “Land of Lions,” commending its resilience and ability to honor its ancient heritage while pursuing modern ambitions. He also acknowledged Ethiopia’s democratic journey, noting its effort to balance historical wisdom with contemporary aspirations.
Conveying greetings from India’s 1.4 billion people, the Prime Minister expressed goodwill and friendship, recognizing Ethiopia’s growing influence and role on the African continent. He emphasized that peace, prosperity, mutual respect, and cooperation remain the core values guiding bilateral relations.
Modi recalled early historical connections between the two regions through ancient trade routes and exchanges of ideas. He highlighted India’s long-standing contribution to Ethiopia’s development, particularly in education, noting that thousands of Indian teachers have played a role in shaping generations of Ethiopian students.
The Prime Minister outlined key areas for future collaboration, including agriculture, digital technology, healthcare, renewable energy, and climate action. He pointed to India’s digital public infrastructure as a transformative tool for inclusive development and expressed confidence that Ethiopia could leverage similar technologies to enhance service delivery and economic growth.
He also reaffirmed India’s support for Ethiopia during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the provision of vaccines and medical supplies, and stressed the two countries’ shared commitment to sustainability and climate justice.
Concluding his address, Modi reiterated India’s commitment to supporting Ethiopia’s development goals and strengthening bilateral ties. He said closer cooperation between the two nations could contribute to a fairer, more inclusive, and prosperous global future.
