Prime Minister Narendra Modi has departed from Ethiopia for Oman, marking the final stage of his four-day foreign tour. This visit follows successful engagements in Jordan and Ethiopia, where he focused on strengthening various bilateral relationships. In Ethiopia, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali personally saw off PM Modi at the airport, driving him in his car and bidding him a personal farewell, which underscores the growing warmth in relations between the two nations. Abiy Ahmed Ali expressed his sentiments on social media, stating his hope for another opportunity to meet and emphasizing that both nations will always be connected by historical, cultural, and diplomatic ties, while this gesture highlights the significant progress made in India-Ethiopia relations.
India-Ethiopia Ties Elevated to 'Strategic Partnership'
Prime Minister Modi's inaugural visit to the East African nation saw the elevation of. The historical ties between India and Ethiopia to the level of a 'strategic partnership'. During his stay, PM Modi engaged in comprehensive discussions with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, which culminated in the exchange of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) across various sectors. These agreements included crucial areas such as training for UN peacekeeping operations, mutual administrative assistance in customs matters, and the establishment of a data center within Ethiopia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. These MoUs are expected to open new avenues for cooperation and foster mutual understanding between the two countries.
Announcements for Enhanced Cooperation and Support
Beyond the formal agreements, the bilateral talks also led to several other significant announcements, while these included discussions on debt restructuring under the G20 framework, an increase in Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) scholarships, the introduction of AI short courses for Ethiopians, and India's support for maternal and neonatal healthcare. These initiatives demonstrate India's commitment to Ethiopia's development, promoting cooperation in vital areas such as human resource development, health, and economic stability. This multi-faceted approach signifies that India isn't only focused. On economic ties but also on social and humanitarian progress.
PM Modi Addresses Ethiopian Parliament
Prime Minister Modi addressed a joint session of the Ethiopian Parliament, where his speech deeply resonated with the parliamentarians. The enthusiasm was palpable, with everyone eager to shake hands with and listen to PM Modi. Such was the fervor that several MPs affectionately kissed the Prime Minister's hands. In his address, PM Modi described India and Ethiopia as "natural partners" in regional peace, security, and connectivity. Notably, Ethiopia marks the 18th parliament globally that Prime Minister Modi has addressed, reflecting his growing acceptance and influence on the international stage. PM Modi also shared his experience on X, expressing his pleasure at interacting with ministers and MPs after addressing the Ethiopian Parliament.
Ethiopia's Highest Honor and Green Initiatives
During his visit to Ethiopia, Prime Minister Modi was bestowed. With the country's highest honor, "The Great Honor Nishan of Ethiopia. " He's the first global head of state to receive this prestigious award, signifying the deepening ties between India and Ethiopia and India's rising global stature. Following the award ceremony, PM Modi also planted a sapling at the Ethiopian House of People's Representatives. Under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' (A Tree for Mother) initiative and Ethiopia's Green Legacy initiative. Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, described this moment in an X post as "Two nations, two traditions, one shared promise – honoring Mother Earth and building a green future. " Emphasizing the outcomes of his Ethiopia visit, Prime Minister Modi on Wednesday highlighted the signing of several agreements as "significant" steps towards strengthening a bilateral partnership focused on "development and people-centric growth.
Prime Minister Modi's Schedule in Oman
After departing from Ethiopia, Prime Minister Modi is now visiting Oman at the invitation of Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, while in Oman, PM Modi will hold discussions with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq to strengthen the strategic partnership, as well as solid trade and economic ties between the two nations. This visit commemorates 70 years of diplomatic relations between India and Oman and follows Sultan Tariq's state visit to India in December 2023, while prime Minister Modi is also scheduled to address the Indian diaspora in Oman, marking his second visit to the Sultanate. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that this visit will provide an opportunity for both sides to undertake a comprehensive review of the bilateral partnership, encompassing trade, investment, energy, defense, security, technology, agriculture, and culture, and to exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. This visit is a crucial component of India's 'Act West' policy, aiming to further deepen engagement with the Gulf region.
