Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a joint session of the Ethiopian Parliament in Addis Ababa Yesterday, describing India and Ethiopia as close partners bound by ancient civilisations, shared history and growing cooperation across development, trade and global affairs.
Speaking inside Ethiopia’s Parliament, where national laws are shaped and the will of the people is translated into state policy, Modi said he was honoured to stand “in this temple of democracy” in a country defined by both ancient wisdom and modern aspirations. He conveyed greetings of friendship, goodwill and brotherhood on behalf of India’s 1.4 billion people, using words of respect in local and regional languages as he addressed lawmakers.
Modi said Ethiopia’s position at the crossroads of Africa and India’s location at the heart of the Indian Ocean made the two countries natural partners in regional peace, security and connectivity. He reflected on the long standing links between the two nations, recalling how merchants once sailed across the Indian Ocean trading spices, cotton, coffee and gold, while also exchanging ideas, stories and ways of life. Historic ports such as Adulis in Ethiopia and Dholera in India, he said, served as bridges between civilisations rather than mere trade centres. 
Drawing cultural parallels, Modi compared Ethiopia’s rock hewn churches of Lalibela with the ancient rock temples of Tamil Nadu in India, describing both as prayers carved in stone. He said India, like Ethiopia, is an ancient civilisation moving confidently into the future, guided by the principle of inclusive growth and collective effort.
The Indian Prime Minister also referred to Lucy, known in Ethiopia as Dink’inesh, saying the world sees not only a fossil but a shared beginning of humanity. He said this shared origin reminds people everywhere that beyond politics, borders and differences, humanity belongs to one family, echoing India’s philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.
Modi paid special tribute to the thousands of Indian teachers who served across Ethiopia over several decades. He said they taught children in Addis Ababa, Dire Dawa, Bahir Dar and Mekele, reaching schools across the country and building lasting connections with Ethiopian communities.
On economic cooperation, Modi said Indian companies are among the largest foreign investors in Ethiopia, with investments of more than five billion US dollars in sectors including textiles, manufacturing, agriculture and health. He said these investments have created over 75,000 local jobs and demonstrated India’s long term commitment to Ethiopia’s development.
The address followed talks held the previous day between Modi and Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed, during which the two leaders agreed to elevate bilateral relations to the level of a Strategic Partnership. Modi said the decision reflected the untapped potential of the partnership and the shared ambition of both countries.
He also spoke about digital transformation, noting that more than half of the world’s real time digital payments now take place in India. He said welfare benefits worth over 500 billion US dollars have been transferred directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts without leakages or corruption. As Ethiopia implements its Digital Ethiopia 2025 Strategy, Modi said India is ready to share its expertise and experience.
Turning to governance and values, Modi compared the opening words of the Indian and Ethiopian constitutions, saying both place the people at the centre of national destiny. He also spoke about environmental responsibility, referring to Mahatma Gandhi’s idea of trusteeship, which views humanity as caretakers of the planet for future generations. He linked India’s “A Tree for Mother” initiative with Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative, saying both reflect a shared commitment to protecting the environment.
During his visit, Modi laid a wreath at the Adwa Victory Monument in Addis Ababa, honouring Ethiopia’s historic resistance and sovereignty. He paid tribute to the heroes of the Battle of Adwa, describing the site as a symbol of freedom, dignity and endurance for Ethiopia and the African continent. He also visited the Adwa Museum, which documents Ethiopian heroism, unity and the pursuit of self determination.
Later, Modi expressed gratitude to the people and government of Ethiopia and to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for conferring on him the country’s highest national honour, the Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia. He said the award was a source of pride and belonged to the countless Indians who have strengthened the India Ethiopia partnership over the years, adding that it reflected his commitment to cooperation within the Global South and to deepening ties between the two nations.
