Global South must unite”: Modi’s powerful message to Ethiopian Parliament

The address marked a special honour for the Prime Minister, who is on his first bilateral visit to Ethiopia.

Opening his speech, Prime Minister Modi conveyed greetings of friendship and goodwill from the people of India to the lawmakers and citizens of Ethiopia. He said it was a privilege to address the Parliament and, through this “temple of democracy”, speak directly to the people of Ethiopia — farmers, entrepreneurs, women, and young citizens shaping the nation’s future.

The Prime Minister thanked the Government and people of Ethiopia for conferring upon him the country’s highest civilian honour, the Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia. Expressing satisfaction at the deepening ties, he noted that the long-standing relationship between the two countries had been elevated to a strategic partnership during the visit.

Recalling the shared civilisational bonds between India and Ethiopia, Prime Minister Modi said both nations blend ancient wisdom with modern ambition. He pointed out that India’s national song Vande Mataram and the Ethiopian national anthem both revere the land as a mother. Referring to their shared history of struggle, he highlighted the role of Indian soldiers who fought alongside Ethiopians during the liberation of the country in 1941. He said it was an honour to pay tribute at the Adwa Victory Monument, a symbol of the sacrifices of the Ethiopian people.

The Prime Minister also acknowledged the contributions of Indian teachers and businesses to Ethiopia’s growth and development. He shared India’s development experiences in areas such as digital public infrastructure, food processing and innovation, and reaffirmed India’s readiness to continue development cooperation aligned with Ethiopia’s priorities.

Underscoring India’s guiding philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — “the world is one family” — Prime Minister Modi said it was a privilege for India to supply vaccines to Ethiopia during the Covid-19 pandemic. He also thanked Ethiopia for its solidarity in strengthening the global fight against terrorism.

Highlighting Addis Ababa’s role as the headquarters of the African Union and a symbol of African unity, the Prime Minister said India was honoured to welcome the African Union as a permanent member of the G20 during its presidency.