Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed Drives Narendra Modi in Historic Visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on March 26, 2024, as part of his three-nation tour designed to enhance diplomatic ties. Upon his arrival at the Addis Ababa International Airport, he was warmly received by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, who took the unusual step of personally driving Modi to his hotel. This gesture underscored the significance of their meeting and the relationship between the two nations.

During the drive, Prime Minister Ahmed made an impromptu stop at the Science Museum and Friendship Park, which were not included in the official agenda. The two leaders engaged in informal discussions, during which Ahmed highlighted the diverse varieties of Ethiopian coffee, showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage. According to reports from the Press Trust of India (PTI), this personal touch reflected Ahmed’s respect for Modi and their shared history.

In a social media post, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, noted the importance of Modi’s visit, stating, “Celebrating age-old India-Ethiopia ties! Prime Minister @narendramodi arrives in Addis Ababa on his maiden bilateral visit to Ethiopia.” Jaiswal emphasized Ethiopia’s role as a key partner for India in the Global South and as a fellow member of BRICS.

Strengthening Bilateral Ties

The visit aims to foster discussions on various aspects of bilateral cooperation between India and Ethiopia. Modi and Ahmed are expected to engage in extensive talks that cover economic, cultural, and political dimensions. A statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs indicated that this visit symbolizes a shared commitment between the two nations to promote friendship and collaboration.

During his time in Ethiopia, Modi will address a Joint Session of Parliament, where he plans to discuss India’s evolution as the “Mother of Democracy” and highlight the importance of the India-Ethiopia partnership for the Global South. His two-day visit also includes a meeting with the Indian diaspora, further reinforcing the cultural ties between the countries.

Addis Ababa holds significance beyond bilateral relations, as it is the headquarters of the African Union. In 2023, the African Union was granted permanent membership in the G20 during India’s presidency, marking a pivotal moment for African representation on the global stage.

Previous Engagements and Next Stops

Prior to arriving in Ethiopia, Modi visited Jordan, where he met King Abdullah II at the Husseiniya Palace. Their discussions led to the signing of several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in key areas such as culture, renewable energy, and water management, alongside a twinning arrangement between the historical sites of Petra and Ellora.

From Ethiopia, Modi will continue to Oman, concluding his three-nation tour. This series of visits underscores India’s strategic outreach to strengthen relationships with key partners across different regions, with a particular focus on enhancing its role in the Global South.