Diaspora excited and hopeful as PM Modi lands in Ethiopia today.
Addis Ababa: The atmosphere in Addis Ababa is electric today as the local Indian community eagerly prepares to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Scheduled to land on Tuesday, this marks the second leg of his significant three-nation diplomatic tour. This event is historically vital as it represents PM Modi’s first-ever official state visit to the "Land of Origins."
Over the course of his two-day stay, the Prime Minister has an agenda aimed at deepening diplomatic roots. He is set to engage in high-level bilateral dialogues with his Ethiopian counterpart, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, who is also a distinguished Nobel Laureate. In a gesture underscoring the importance of this relationship, PM Modi will also deliver a special address to a Joint Session of the Ethiopian Parliament.
Diaspora Voices and Expectations
The excitement is particularly palpable within the educational and professional sectors of the Indian diaspora. At the Indian International School in Ethiopia, anticipation is running high. Principal Abraham shared insights into the local academic landscape, noting that their institution recently secured CBSE affiliation. He highlighted that Ethiopian parents place an immense value on their children's education, creating a strong bond between the Indian curriculum and local aspirations.
Beyond education, there are high hopes for advancements in the medical sector. Ramendra Shah, a prominent member of the diaspora, emphasized that cooperation between the two nations has already led to tangible improvements in healthcare. He pointed to the Mahatma Gandhi Hospital, which is currently executing an expansion plan to accommodate 400 beds, as a prime example of collaborative success. Shah expressed optimism that PM Modi's visit to Ethiopia—bolstered by the strategic BRICS partnership—would unlock further financial support from Indian philanthropic organizations.
Strategic Importance and The African Union
Before departing from New Delhi, Prime Minister Modi stressed the strategic weight of this visit. He highlighted that Addis Ababa is not just the capital of Ethiopia but also serves as the headquarters of the African Union. He recalled the pivotal moment during India's G20 Presidency in 2023 when the African Union was inducted as a permanent member, signaling a new era of inclusivity.
Recap of the Jordan Visit
Prior to arriving in Ethiopia, PM Modi concluded a highly productive visit to Jordan. He described the outcomes as a major step forward in expanding ties, particularly in digital innovation, water resource management, and renewable energy. A standout achievement from that leg of the tour was the "Twinning Agreement" linking the historic sites of Petra and Ellora, designed to boost tourism and heritage conservation.
Following his engagements in Addis Ababa, the Prime Minister will depart for Oman on December 17 to conclude his tour.
