PM Modi and Ethiopia’s Abiy Ahmed Plant Sapling, Celebrate Deepening Ties Under ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ Initiative

Addis Ababa, Dec 2025 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali on Wednesday planted a sapling together in Addis Ababa as part of the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative, symbolising a shared commitment to strengthening India–Ethiopia ties and promoting environmental responsibility. The gesture marked a warm moment during PM Modi’s official visit, reinforcing the personal and diplomatic bond between the two countries.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi addressed a Joint Session of Ethiopia’s Parliament, where he reflected deeply on the historical, cultural, and emotional ties that bind India and Ethiopia. He said the two nations share “warmth in climate and spirit,” and expressed admiration for Ethiopia’s ancient civilisation and democratic traditions.

PM Modi used the platform to highlight a long history of engagement between India and Africa, recalling that their connection stretches back nearly 2000 years, through maritime trade and cultural exchange across the Indian Ocean. He noted that Indian and Ethiopian ancestors once travelled with spices, cotton, coffee, and gold — but carried with them more than goods. “They exchanged ideas, stories, and ways of life,” he said, describing ports like Adulis and Dholera as bridges between civilisations.

The Prime Minister underlined that the India–Ethiopia relationship grew significantly over the past 11 years, with more than 100 exchanges between heads of state and government. He said the partnership had “grown manyfold”, especially in development, education, healthcare, capacity building, and diplomatic cooperation.

Reflecting on modern history, PM Modi recalled how Indian soldiers fought alongside Ethiopians during the country’s liberation struggle in 1941 — long before formal diplomatic ties were established. “Even before embassies were set up, our people were already writing a new chapter together,” he said.

One of the strongest threads in the India–Ethiopia story, PM Modi said, is education. He spoke warmly of thousands of Indian teachers who travelled to Ethiopian towns and cities and became a part of communities, classrooms, and families. “They reached Ethiopian schools and entered Ethiopian hearts,” he said, adding that parents across the country still fondly remember the contributions of Indian teachers.

He noted that the educational journey had been two-way, with Ethiopian students travelling to India in search of higher learning and friendship. Many of them, he said, returned home to become builders of modern Ethiopia — strengthening governance, economy, science, and social institutions.

PM Modi also spoke about India’s growing engagement in technology and public administration in Ethiopia. He said that India was honoured to be chosen as a trusted partner to help develop a new data centre for Ethiopia’s foreign ministry — a step that reflects the growing digital partnership between the two sides.

Calling India the “pharmacy of the world,” PM Modi recalled the difficult global moment during the Covid-19 pandemic. He said India made it a moral duty to help the world, despite limited resources. “India sent medicines and vaccines to more than 150 countries,” he said. He noted with pride that Ethiopia had received over four million doses of Indian vaccines — a gesture symbolising trust and solidarity.

As part of the visit, PM Modi laid a wreath at the Adwa Victory Monument — a tribute that paid respect to Ethiopia’s historic triumph over Italian colonial forces in 1896. The Prime Minister also toured the Adwa Museum, where he was briefed on Ethiopia’s cultural heritage, the battle’s legacy, and its significance for African identity and independence movements.

Prime Minister Modi arrived in Ethiopia on Tuesday to a rousing public and diplomatic welcome. In a warm and personal gesture, PM Abiy Ahmed Ali himself drove PM Modi from the airport to his hotel. During the journey, he made an unscheduled detour to show him the Science Museum and Friendship Park — an experience that underscored the personal rapport between the two leaders. Members of the Indian community in Ethiopia gathered to greet PM Modi at his hotel, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.

On Wednesday, PM Modi was also awarded Ethiopia’s highest civilian honour — the Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia. He accepted it with deep gratitude and described the recognition as a reflection of the friendship between the people of India and Ethiopia.

The visit marks an important step in India’s growing diplomatic and strategic engagement with Africa, with Ethiopia emerging as a pivotal partner. The sapling planted under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign now stands as a living symbol of shared history, expanding cooperation, and a future built on mutual respect and progress.