PM to address parliament and meet diaspora in Addis Ababa
Touching down in the Ethiopian capital on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially commenced the second leg of his significant three-nation diplomatic tour. This visit, marking a crucial moment for the PM Modi Ethiopia visit agenda, is aimed at fortifying the historical and strategic bonds between India and the African continent.
The Prime Minister was received with warmth in Addis Ababa, where he is scheduled for a two-day state visit at the invitation of the Ethiopian Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed Ali. The city has been decked out in anticipation of the visit, with the streets of the capital lined with Indian flags and large hoardings welcoming the Indian leader, signaling the high value Ethiopia places on this bilateral relationship.
A Focus on the Global South
This visit is not merely ceremonial; it underscores India’s deepening commitment to the "Global South." Before his arrival, PM Modi emphasized the critical role Ethiopia plays in international diplomacy, particularly as the headquarters of the African Union (AU).
In his departure statement, PM Modi reflected on India's G20 Presidency in 2023, during which the African Union was granted permanent membership—a move strongly advocated by New Delhi. He expressed enthusiasm about engaging with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to explore how the India-Ethiopia relations can further stabilize and empower developing nations globally.
"I eagerly look forward to sharing my thoughts on India’s journey as the ‘Mother of Democracy’ and the value that the India–Ethiopia partnership can bring to the Global South," Prime Minister Modi stated.
Key Agenda and Forward Movement
The itinerary for the next two days is packed with high-level engagements. The two leaders are expected to hold extensive discussions covering a wide array of sectors, including trade, investment, development partnerships, and political cooperation.
Beyond the boardroom discussions, the Prime Minister has a schedule designed to connect with people. He is set to address a joint session of the Ethiopian Parliament, a rare honor that highlights the depth of the diplomatic ties. Furthermore, he will interact with the vibrant Indian diaspora residing in Ethiopia, strengthening the "living bridge" between the two nations.
The Three-Nation Tour Context
This stop in Ethiopia follows a successful visit to Jordan, where PM Modi met with King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein. Once his engagements in Addis Ababa conclude, the Prime Minister will depart for Oman, the final destination of this four-day tour aimed at boosting India's footprint in the Middle East and Africa.
