PM Modi Highlights Deep Cultural Bonds and Shared Values in Ethiopia Parliament Address

Addis Ababa, Dec 2025 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday drew strong cultural and emotional parallels between India and Ethiopia during his historic address to a Joint Session of Ethiopia’s Parliament. The Prime Minister said that both nations view their land as a mother, reflecting a shared sense of identity, belonging, and pride.

Speaking about India’s national song Vande Mataram and Ethiopia’s national anthem March Forward, Dear Mother Ethiopia, PM Modi said both compositions celebrate the motherland and highlight a common sentiment of love, honour, and duty towards the nation. He noted that this shared symbolism strengthens emotional ties between the people of the two countries.

PM Modi invoked his government’s guiding principle — “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayaas” — which means collective growth, trust, and effort. He said this spirit reflects not just a path to national progress, but also a shared vision and respect for cultural roots.

The Prime Minister described his visit as a moment of deep privilege and said he felt “very much at home in Ethiopia”. Drawing a warm connection, he mentioned that Ethiopia is known as the land of lions, and his home state Gujarat is also home to the majestic Asiatic lions. Speaking before loud applause, PM Modi said the atmosphere reminded him of India’s vibrant democracy.

Addressing the Parliament, he said he was honoured to speak in what he called a “temple of democracy”, representing the aspirations and voices of the Ethiopian people. He carried with him greetings on behalf of the 1.4 billion people of India, expressing friendship, goodwill, and solidarity.

The visit marked another significant milestone in India’s relations with Ethiopia, coming just a day after PM Modi received the African nation’s highest civilian award — the Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia. He accepted the honour with “folded hands and deep humility”, dedicating it to the people of India.

During the address, PM Modi also touched upon Ethiopia’s long and rich civilisational heritage. He said the country is one of humanity’s oldest cultural landscapes, where history thrives not only in monuments and memory, but in the very character of its people. “Here, history is alive in the mountains, valleys and in the hearts of the Ethiopian people,” he said.

Referring to Ethiopia’s significant place in human evolution, he spoke about the famous fossil discovery known as “Lucy of Dinkinesh”, describing it as a symbol of humanity’s shared origin. He recalled the Indian philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, which means “the world is one family”. He said this idea reminds both nations that beyond differences and boundaries, people share the same ancestral beginnings and therefore a connected future.

The Prime Minister praised Ethiopia for balancing ancient wisdom with modern aspiration, calling it a country that honours its past while confidently shaping its future. He said that Ethiopia “stands tall because its roots are deep”.

Marking Ethiopia as the 18th parliament he has addressed worldwide, PM Modi described the moment as historic for bilateral relations. The enthusiastic welcome he received, he said, reflected the goodwill between both nations and the promise of a stronger partnership.

As applause echoed across the chamber, PM Modi concluded by emphasising unity, heritage, and shared destiny — themes that framed his message of cooperation and cultural kinship between India and Ethiopia.