Historic Diplomatic Recognition
PM Modi Receives Ethiopia’s Highest Civilian Honour: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred Ethiopia’s highest civilian award, the Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia, during his official visit to Addis Ababa. With this recognition, he became the first global Head of State or Government to receive this prestigious honour.
The award marks a significant moment in India’s diplomatic engagement with Africa and reinforces India’s leadership role among nations of the Global South.
About the Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia
The Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia is the highest national civilian honour of the country. It is awarded to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to Ethiopia’s international partnerships and global standing.
The honour was formally presented by Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed Ali, who personally hosted the ceremony and acknowledged India’s constructive role in Ethiopia’s development and diplomacy.
Static GK fact: Ethiopia is one of the oldest continuously existing states in the world, with a recorded history spanning over 3,000 years.
PM Modi’s Remarks on the Honour
Accepting the award, PM Modi described it as a matter of pride for all Indians, not merely a personal achievement. He stated that the recognition belongs to the people of India whose trust and efforts have strengthened India’s global image.
He further emphasised that being honoured by one of the world’s most ancient civilisations carries deep historical significance and dedicated the award to 140 crore Indians.
First Global Leader and 28th Foreign Honour
This recognition represents two historic milestones for the Prime Minister. He became the first world leader to receive Ethiopia’s top civilian honour, and it also marked his 28th international State honour.
Political observers have noted that this growing list of foreign recognitions reflects India’s enhanced diplomatic credibility and PM Modi’s consistent engagement with global leadership platforms.
Static GK Tip: Foreign State honours are typically conferred to acknowledge diplomatic contribution, bilateral cooperation, and global leadership impact.
India–Ethiopia Strategic Partnership
India and Ethiopia share long-standing civilisational ties, rooted in education, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. PM Modi highlighted that contacts between the two societies date back several centuries, predating modern diplomatic relations.
Indian educators have played a vital role in Ethiopia’s academic ecosystem for decades. Even today, Indian faculty members serve in Ethiopian universities, strengthening intellectual cooperation and goodwill.
Static GK fact: Ethiopia hosts the headquarters of the African Union in Addis Ababa, making it a key diplomatic hub of the African continent.
Broader Global Significance
The honour underscores India’s rising stature as a reliable development partner for African nations. It also highlights Ethiopia’s recognition of India’s role in promoting inclusive growth, capacity building, and South–South cooperation.
This development signals a deeper strategic alignment between India and Africa in global governance, multilateral forums, and development diplomacy.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
PM Modi Receives Ethiopia’s Highest Civilian Honour:
| Topic | Detail |
| Award Name | Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia |
| Recipient | Narendra Modi |
| Significance | Highest civilian honour of Ethiopia |
| Historic First | First global leader to receive the award |
| Total Foreign Honours | 28 international State honours |
| Presented By | Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed Ali |
| Location | Addis Ababa |
| Strategic Context | Strengthening India–Africa and Global South ties |
| Regional Importance | Ethiopia hosts African Union headquarters |
