PM Modi Highlights Shared Vision for Global South in Ethiopia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi affirmed the significance of the Global South in shaping its future during a recent address to the Ethiopian Parliament. Speaking on October 3, 2023, Modi underscored that India and Ethiopia share a common vision for progress, emphasizing that developing nations are advancing with confidence and clarity regarding their priorities.

Modi articulated India’s worldview, stating, “Our vision is of a world where the Global South rises not against anyone, but for everyone.” He highlighted the necessity for reforms in global governance structures, asserting that institutions should not remain entrenched in historical frameworks. “A world where development is fair, where technology is accessible, and where sovereignty is respected… the world cannot move forward if its system remains locked in the past,” he remarked, implicitly referencing global institutions established in 1945.

Historical and Cultural Connections

During his address, Modi drew attention to the deep-rooted historical ties between India and Ethiopia, noting that scientific research has traced some of humanity’s earliest footprints to Ethiopian soil. “We share a common origin, whether we live in Addis Ababa or Ayodhya. If our beginning was shared, then our destiny must also be shared,” he stated. Modi elaborated that the two nations have enjoyed connections for nearly 2,000 years, where trade across the Indian Ocean involved not just goods like spices and gold, but also a rich exchange of ideas and lifestyles.

The Prime Minister also recalled the camaraderie between Indian and Ethiopian forces during World War II, when Indian soldiers fought alongside Ethiopians in their liberation in 1941. He noted the significant investment made by Indian companies in Ethiopia, which has surpassed $5 billion across various sectors, generating over 75,000 jobs in the country. This underscores a commitment to elevating bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership.

In a culturally resonant analogy, Modi compared the Ethiopian coffee ceremony, where community and friendship flourish, to India’s tea-drinking practices. “Just like Ethiopian coffee and Indian tea, our friendship is brewing strongest,” he said, reinforcing the bonds between the two nations.

Focus on Future Cooperation

Modi’s visit to Ethiopia also included a tribute at the Adwa Victory Monument, a site that commemorates Ethiopia’s triumph against colonial powers. He expressed pride in India’s role during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting that India provided medicines and vaccines to more than 150 countries, including over four million doses to Ethiopia.

The Prime Minister characterized the outcomes of his visit as “significant steps forward” in building a people-centric partnership, with a focus on youth, skills, innovation, and healthcare. In a message posted on X, he noted the breadth of cooperation between India and Ethiopia, covering governance, peacekeeping, digital capacity, education, and healthcare. “The emphasis on knowledge, skills and innovation underscores our shared faith in youth as the drivers of tomorrow,” he remarked.

Following his engagements in Ethiopia, Prime Minister Modi is set to travel to Oman for the final leg of his three-nation tour, expected to arrive later on October 4, 2023. His diplomatic mission aims to reinforce partnerships and promote inclusive growth across the Global South.