PM Modi is the first global Head of State or Head of Government to receive Ethiopia’s highest award, the Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia.
PM Modi expresses gratitude after receiving Ethiopia’s highest honour (Photo: X@MEAIndia)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed gratitude to the people and government of Ethiopia, as well as Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, for conferring upon him the country’s highest civilian award.
Ethiopia conferred its highest award, the Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia, on Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday. PM Modi is the first global Head of State or Head of Government to receive this award. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali bestowed the award. Ethiopia’s top honour marks the 28th top foreign State award bestowed on PM Modi.
Advertisement
PM Modi is on a two-day state visit to Ethiopia at the invitation of the Prime Minister of Ethiopia. He arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, yesterday.
Advertisement
#WATCH | Ethiopia has conferred its highest award- The Great Honor Nishan of Ethiopia on PM Modi. PM Modi is the first global Head of State/Head of Government to receive this award.
(Video: ANI/DD News) pic.x.com/rgXbJiC64X
— ANI (@ANI) December 16, 2025
In a post on social media platform X, Modi said it was a matter of immense pride to be honoured by one of the world’s most ancient and culturally rich civilisations. He noted that the recognition belonged not to him alone, but to the countless Indians who have contributed over the years to strengthening the partnership between India and Ethiopia.
“The honour belongs to the countless Indians who have shaped and strengthened our partnership over the years,” the Prime Minister said.
Reiterating India’s commitment to bilateral ties, Modi said New Delhi remains focused on further deepening cooperation with Ethiopia to address evolving global challenges and to create new opportunities for mutual growth.
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… pic.x.com/MWrdGwVFcI
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 17, 2025
A day after holding delegation-level talks in Ethiopia, PM Modi today hailed the outcomes of his Ethiopia visit as “significant steps forward” in a trusted and people-centric partnership between the two countries, with a strong focus on youth, skills, innovation and healthcare.
He posted on social media platform X, “These are significant steps forward in our longstanding and trusted partnership. From governance and peacekeeping to digital capacity and education, the focus remains on empowering our people. The emphasis on knowledge, skills and innovation underscores our shared faith in youth as the drivers of tomorrow.”
The Prime Minister highlighted that these outcomes are crucial for growth and people-centric development which can be achieved through a focused India-Ethiopia partnership. The two countries are building stronger cooperation across varied sectors, including education and healthcare, with the prime objective of promoting inclusive growth.
“These are significant steps forward in our longstanding and trusted partnership. From governance and peacekeeping to digital capacity and education, the focus remains on empowering our people. The emphasis on knowledge, skills and innovation underscores our shared faith in youth as the drivers of tomorrow. Cooperation in healthcare reflects a deeper commitment to human dignity and care for the most vulnerable.”
Earlier on Tuesday, the Ministry of External Affairs released the official list of outcomes from the Prime Minister’s visit, highlighting the elevation of bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership as a key milestone.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah called the conferment of Ethiopia’s highest award – The Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia – upon PM Modi by his Ethiopian counterpart a milestone in India-Ethiopia ties. He referred to it as a moment of pride for every Indian, signifying Bharat’s rising stature in global diplomacy under his leadership. He also highlighted that it is the 28th accolade to Modi Ji’s statesmanship by a foreign nation.
Union Minister JP Nadda congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on being conferred with Ethiopia’s highest civilian honour, calling it a “moment of pride for the country” and a reflection of India’s growing global standing. He called it a strong symbol of the enduring friendship and deepening ties between India and Ethiopia.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also hailed the honour conferred upon PM Modi as a momentous occasion. Jaishankar is currently in Jerusalem for a two-day visit to Israel.
In a post on X, he said, “The conferment of Ethiopia’s highest award, the ‘Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia’, is a proud moment for Indians across the world. A recognition of PM Modi’s unwavering commitment to the Global South and his contributions towards strengthening India-Ethiopia friendship.”
Advertisement
