Addis Ababa | India and Ethiopia are "natural partners" in regional peace, security and connectivity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday in his address to the Ethiopian Parliament.
Modi, who arrived in Ethiopia on Tuesday on his maiden bilateral visit, addressed a joint session of the East African nation's parliament.
This was the 18th parliament in the world that Prime Minister Modi has addressed.
"Ethiopia sits at a crossroads of Africa. India stands at the heart of the Indian Ocean. We are natural partners in regional peace, security and connectivity," the prime minister said.
"Our commitment to mutual security became stronger with the signing of a defence cooperation agreement earlier this year. This arrangement focuses on closer military cooperation," he said.
Asserting that India and Ethiopia share "warmth in climate as well as in spirit", Modi said that the ancestors of the two nations exchanged ideas and way of life, and not just goods.
He said that both nations understand that democracy is a way of life and a journey. "It is shaped sometimes by debate, sometimes by disagreement, but always by belief in the rule of law." The prime minister said that when the wheel of the state moves in harmony with the people, the wheel of progress moves forward with hope and purpose.
Speaking about the Global South, Modi said the region is writing its own destiny, and India and Ethiopia share a vision for it.
"Our vision is of a world where the Global South rises not against anyone, but for everyone," he said.
We stand together and work for a world which is more just, equal and peaceful, he said, adding that the world cannot move forward if its systems remain locked in the past.
He also thanked Ethiopia for its solidarity in strengthening the global fight against terrorism.
Underscoring the civilisational ties between India and Ethiopia, Modi said that both the countries combine ancient wisdom with modern ambition.
"Our emotions for our motherland also reflect our shared perspectives. India's national song, 'Vande Mataram', and the Ethiopian national anthem both refer to our land as the mother." They inspire us to take pride in the heritage, culture, beauty, and protect the motherland, he said.
As developing countries, India and Ethiopia have a lot to learn from and offer to each other, Modi said.
"Indian companies are among the largest investors in Ethiopia. They have invested more than USD 5 billion across diverse sectors and generated more than 75,000 jobs. We have decided to elevate India-Ethiopia bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership." The two countries elevated their historical ties to the level of 'Strategic Partnership' on Tuesday, and several MoUs were also exchanged after Modi's wide-ranging talks with his Ethiopian counterpart, Abiy Ahmed Ali.
In his address, Modi said that India's Digital Public Infrastructure has "transformed the way we deliver services and how people access them." He said that India sent medicines and vaccines to more than 150 countries during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it was India's "proud privilege" to supply Ethiopia with over 4 million vaccine doses.
Calling Ethiopia one of the oldest civilisations in human history, Modi said, "Ethiopia stands tall because its roots are deep... the past is honoured, the present is full of purpose, and the future is welcomed with open heart." At the conclusion of his speech, Modi received a long standing ovation from the members of Parliament.
In an X post, Modi said it was a "great honour and privilege" to address the Ethiopian Parliament.
"Ethiopia's rich history, culture and spirit inspire deep respect and admiration. I conveyed India's commitment to further strengthening our partnership, guided by shared values, mutual trust and a common vision for peace, development and cooperation," he said.
In his speech, Modi said that it was "wonderful" to be in Ethiopia, the land of lions, he said, adding, "I feel very much at home because my home state, Gujarat in India, is also home to lions." "Yesterday, I was also honoured to receive ‘Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia'. I accept this award with folded hands and humility on behalf of the people of India," he said.
Modi is the first global head of state to receive Ethiopia's highest award.
Earlier in the day, Modi laid a wreath at the Adwa Victory Monument. "The monument stands as a powerful symbol of Ethiopia's courage, unity and unwavering spirit. It reminds the world of a proud nation that protected itself with determination and resolve," he said in an X post.
Modi is on a four-day, three-nation visit. He arrived here on Tuesday from Jordan and will depart for Oman from here.
