Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a historic and impactful address to a joint session of the Ethiopian Parliament on Tuesday, December 17, 2024. This significant diplomatic event underscored the deepening strategic partnership between India and the African nation, with PM Modi outlining a forward-looking vision for collaboration across multiple sectors.
A Milestone in Bilateral Relations
The address itself marks a rare honour, reflecting the high esteem in which India and its leader are held by Ethiopia. PM Modi is among a select few global leaders invited to speak before the Ethiopian legislature. In his speech, he emphasized the centuries-old people-to-people connections between India and Ethiopia, built on a foundation of mutual respect and shared struggles against colonialism.
He recalled India's unwavering support for Ethiopia's sovereignty and freedom, a bond that continues to shape contemporary relations. The Prime Minister positioned the current relationship as a partnership of equals, focused on a prosperous future rather than just a shared past.
Pillars of the India-Ethiopia Partnership
PM Modi's address laid out concrete areas for enhanced cooperation. A major focus was on technology and digital innovation. He highlighted India's willingness to share its expertise in digital public infrastructure, a model that has revolutionized payments and identity management in India. This collaboration aims to support Ethiopia's own development goals in the digital economy.
Another critical area is climate change and green energy. Recognizing Africa's vulnerability and right to development, PM Modi spoke about collaborative efforts in solar power, climate-resilient agriculture, and environmental sustainability. This aligns with both nations' commitments to global climate goals.
Furthermore, he stressed cooperation in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and capacity building. India's role as the 'Pharmacy of the World' and its training programs for African professionals were highlighted as key contributions to Ethiopia's human resource development.
A Unified Voice for the Global South
Beyond bilateral ties, the Prime Minister's speech carried a significant geopolitical message. He called for stronger collaboration between India and Africa to reform global governance structures. PM Modi advocated for the voices of the Global South to be heard more effectively in international institutions, ensuring a more equitable and multipolar world order.
He reiterated India's commitment to Africa's growth, stating that the progress of one-fifth of humanity in India is linked to the advancement of one-third of humanity residing in Africa. This framing positions the India-Ethiopia partnership as a microcosm of a larger, vital inter-continental alliance.
The address was met with a warm reception from the Ethiopian parliamentarians, signaling strong political consensus on strengthening ties with India. This engagement is expected to pave the way for increased investments, technology transfers, and collaborative projects in the coming years, solidifying a partnership based on shared aspirations and strategic interests.
