‘World cannot move forward if systems remain locked in the past’: PM Modi in Ethiopia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday addressed the Joint Session of the Ethiopian Parliament in Addis Ababa, becoming the first Indian leader to do so and marking the 18th parliament globally where he has spoken. The address came a day after PM Modi held wide-ranging talks with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, during which India and Ethiopia elevated their bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership.

PM Modi received a standing ovation as he concluded his address at the Joint Session of the Ethiopian Parliament. He was greeted with huge applause multiple times during his address at the Ethiopian Parliament.

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Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: PM Narendra Modi receives a standing ovation after concluding his address to the Ethiopian Parliament pic.x.com/ihphe3ZmXr

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— IANS (@ians_india) December 17, 2025

Speaking to the Ethiopian lawmakers, Prime Minister Modi highlighted that the world cannot move forward if its systems remain locked in the past. He said, “A world where development is fair, where technology is accessible, and where sovereignty is respected. A world where prosperity is shared and peace is defended. And a world where decision-making reflects today’s reality, nor the world of 1945, because the world cannot move forward if its system remains locked in the past…”

Ethiopia: PM Narendra Modi says, “A world where development is fair, where technology is accessible, and where sovereignty is respected. A world where prosperity is shared and peace is defended. And a world where decision-making reflects today’s reality, nor the world of 1945,… pic.x.com/RJwVB3llOG

— IANS (@ians_india) December 17, 2025

PM Modi struck a personal and cultural note, drawing parallels between the two countries’ national identities. “It is a moment of great privilege to stand before you today. It is wonderful to be here in Ethiopia, the land of lions. I feel very much at home because my home state, Gujarat in India, is also home to lions,” the Prime Minister said.

He went on to underline a shared emotional bond reflected in the national songs of both countries. “India’s national song ‘Vande Mataram’ and Ethiopia’s national anthem both refer to our land as the Mother. They inspire us to take pride in the heritage, culture and beauty of our nations and to protect the motherland,” PM Modi said while addressing the Joint Session.

#WATCH | Addressing the Ethiopian Parliament, PM Modi says, “India’s national song ‘Vande Mataram’ and Ethiopia’s national anthem, both refer to our land as the Mother. They inspire us to take pride in the heritage, culture, beauty and protect the motherland.” pic.x.com/7wkbiw6LgV

— ANI (@ANI) December 17, 2025

During his address, PM Modi thanked Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali for conferring on him the Grand Honour Nishan of Ethiopia, the country’s highest civilian award. “I accept this honour with folded hands and humility on behalf of the people of India,” he said.

He expressed deep respect for Ethiopia’s Parliament, people and democratic journey, during his address. He said, “In this great building, the will of the people becomes the will of the state. When the wheel of the state moves in harmony with the wheel of the people, the wheel of progress moves forward with hope and purpose.”

PM Modi called Ethiopia the “land of lions.” He drew a parallel with his home state, Gujarat, which is also home to lions and said he felt at home in the country. “It is a moment of great privilege for me to stand before you today. I feel honoured to be here in the temple of democracy, in the heart of a nation with ancient wisdom and modern aspirations,” he said.

#WATCH | PM Modi addresses the Joint Session of the Parliament of Ethiopia in Addis Ababa

The PM says, “It is a moment of great privilege to stand before you today. It is wonderful to be here in Ethiopia, the land of lions. I feel very much at home because my home state, Gujarat… pic.x.com/1LEkPAZle3

— ANI (@ANI) December 17, 2025