Addis Ababa

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday addressed a joint session of Ethiopia’s Parliament, becoming the 18th parliament worldwide to be addressed by him, and described the African nation as the “land of lions,” saying he felt at home due to its cultural resonance with India.

“I feel honoured to be here in the temple of democracy, in the heart of a nation with ancient wisdom and modern aspirations,” Modi said, conveying greetings from 1.4 billion Indians and expressing respect for Ethiopia’s democratic journey.

Drawing a parallel between Ethiopia and his home state of Gujarat — both home to lions — Modi said the two nations shared deep civilisational links. He highlighted a symbolic connection between India’s national song Vande Mataram and Ethiopia’s national anthem, noting that both refer to the land as “mother.”

“In this building, the will of the people becomes the will of the state. When the wheel of the state moves in harmony with the people, the wheel of progress moves forward,” he said.

The Prime Minister thanked Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali for conferring on him the Grand Honour Nishan of Ethiopia, the country’s highest civilian award, which he said he accepted with humility on behalf of the people of India.

The address followed wide-ranging talks between the two leaders a day earlier, during which India and Ethiopia elevated bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership, focusing on cooperation in food and health security, digital public infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, energy and critical minerals.

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Later in the day, Modi is scheduled to visit the Adwa Museum and the Adwa Victory Memorial.