NEW DELHI/ADDIS ABABA: In a significant diplomatic gesture acknowledging India’s growing influence in the Global South, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been conferred with the ‘Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia’. The award was presented by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, marking a new high point in the bilateral relations between the two historic nations.

The recognition serves as a testament to the strengthening partnership between India and Ethiopia, a key nation in the Horn of Africa. This accolade adds to the series of high civilian honours the Prime Minister has received from various nations over his tenure, reflecting India’s expanding diplomatic outreach and soft power on the global stage.

Expressing his sentiments regarding the award, Prime Minister Modi took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to thank the Ethiopian leadership. He characterized the award not as a personal achievement, but as a recognition of the collective efforts of the Indian populace in fostering international bonds.

“Grateful to the people and Government of Ethiopia as well as Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali for conferring upon me the ‘Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia’ last evening. To be honoured by one of the world’s most ancient and rich civilisations is a matter of immense pride.” — Prime Minister Narendra Modi

The Prime Minister further emphasized the role of the Indian diaspora and citizens in building these diplomatic bridges. “This honour belongs to the countless Indians who have shaped and strengthened our partnership over the years,” he stated in his post.

Strengthening Bilateral Ties

The conferment of this honour comes amidst a backdrop of deepening ties between India and African nations. Ethiopia, with its rich history and strategic location, remains a pivotal partner for India in the African continent. The Prime Minister reiterated New Delhi’s resolve to take this partnership forward.

According to his statement, India remains “committed to further cementing cooperation with Ethiopia to address evolving global challenges and also to create new opportunities.” This aligns with India’s broader foreign policy objective of advocating for the concerns of the developing world and fostering South-South cooperation.

Context of the Honour

The ‘Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia’ is a prestigious decoration awarded to foreign leaders and dignitaries who have made significant contributions to strengthening ties with Ethiopia. By bestowing this award upon PM Modi, Addis Ababa has signaled the high value it places on its relationship with New Delhi.

India and Ethiopia share civilisational ties that date back thousands of years. In modern times, this relationship has evolved into a robust partnership covering trade, investment, capacity building, and education. India is among the leading foreign investors in Ethiopia, with Indian companies having made substantial investments across manufacturing, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and infrastructure sectors, generating large-scale local employment.

This latest honour follows a pattern of international recognition for the Indian Prime Minister, who has previously received top civilian awards from nations including Egypt, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, and France, underscoring his administration’s focus on aggressive diplomatic engagement.

Top foreign state decorations received over the years

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has received over 20 major foreign state honours during his tenure, including the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour from France, the Order of Zayed from the United Arab Emirates, the King Abdulaziz Sash from Saudi Arabia, the Order of the Nile from Egypt, the Order of St Andrew the Apostle from Russia, and the Legion of Merit from the United States. Other top civilian decorations include the Order of the Dragon King from Bhutan, the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine, the Companion of the Order of Fiji, the Order of Logohu from Papua New Guinea, the Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia, and the Order of Freedom of Barbados, conferred during official state visits and bilateral engagements.

Grateful to the people and Government of Ethiopia as well as Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali for conferring upon me the ‘Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia’ last evening. To be honoured by one of the world’s most ancient and rich civilisations is a matter of immense pride. This honour… pic.twitter.com/MWrdGwVFcI

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 17, 2025