Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed Drives Modi to Airport in Unique Gesture

NEW DELHI: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a distinguished farewell from Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, who personally drove him to the airport as he departed for Oman. This gesture reflects the warm relations cultivated during Modi's two-day visit to Ethiopia.

The Ethiopian leader had also welcomed Modi upon his arrival in Addis Ababa, personally escorting him from the airport to his hotel. Such personal gestures have been noted during Modi's recent travels, particularly in Jordan, where Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II similarly drove him during his visit.

These rare displays of camaraderie signify India's growing diplomatic influence and the deep trust established with key partners in the Global South and West Asia. PM Abiy Ahmed’s personal escort to the airport marked the conclusion of Modi's Ethiopia visit, which was part of a broader three-nation tour.

Modi's first bilateral visit to Ethiopia was characterised by significant diplomatic engagements. During their drive, PM Abiy took the opportunity to showcase Ethiopia's cultural heritage, including visits to the Science Museum and Friendship Park, which were not included in the official agenda. This tour provided Modi with insights into Ethiopia's renowned coffee traditions.

As a tangible outcome of their discussions, India and Ethiopia agreed to elevate their relationship to a Strategic Partnership, enhancing bilateral cooperation across various sectors, including economy, technology, defence, and health. PM Modi remarked, "This step will provide new energy, new momentum and new depth to our ties."

A significant highlight of the visit was the conferment of Ethiopia’s highest civilian award, the ‘Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia’, upon Modi for his contributions to strengthening India-Ethiopia relations. Modi expressed his pride in receiving this honour from such an ancient and rich civilisation, dedicating it to the people of India and the long-standing friendship between the two nations. This accolade marks the 28th international honour awarded to Modi.

In addressing the Ethiopian Parliament, Modi became the 18th global leader to do so, highlighting the partnership's importance for the Global South and discussing India’s democratic journey. His visit produced concrete agreements, including the establishment of a data centre at Ethiopia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, cooperation in UN peacekeeping training, and an MoU on debt restructuring under the G20 Common Framework.

Additionally, educational ties were strengthened with an increase in scholarships for Ethiopian students and the introduction of specialised short-term courses in artificial intelligence through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme. Furthermore, India pledged to upgrade the Mahatma Gandhi Hospital in Addis Ababa, focusing on maternal and neonatal healthcare.

Following his stay in Ethiopia, PM Modi proceeded to Oman, where he will engage with Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to further fortify the India-Oman Strategic Partnership.