Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s conferment with Ethiopia’s highest civilian honour — the ‘Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia’ — calling it a defining moment in India–Ethiopia relations and a reflection of India’s growing global standing.
Held extensive discussions with PM Abiy Ahmed Ali. We have decided to elevate the India-Ethiopia ties to a Strategic Partnership. Gave three key suggestions to enhance bilateral ties:
Deepen relations in food security and health security. This includes cooperation in sustainable… pic.twitter.com/QACLRq21Dn
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 16, 2025
The award was presented to PM Modi by Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed Ali, making him the first global Head of State or Government to receive the honour.
Amit Shah Calls Honour a Milestone in Bilateral Ties
A moment of pride for every Indian.
Congratulations to PM Shri @narendramodi Ji on being bestowed with Ethiopia’s highest award, the ‘Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia.’ It is the 28th accolade to Modi Ji’s statesmanship by a foreign nation, signifying Bharat’s rising stature in… pic.twitter.com/c36YejngSD
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) December 16, 2025
In a post on X, Amit Shah congratulated the Prime Minister, describing the recognition as a matter of national pride. “A moment of pride for every Indian. Congratulations to PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji on being bestowed with Ethiopia’s highest award, the ‘Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia.’ It is the 28th accolade to Modi Ji’s statesmanship by a foreign nation, signifying Bharat’s rising stature in global diplomacy under his leadership. This honour will remain a milestone in the friendship between India and Ethiopia,” Shah wrote.
With this recognition, PM Modi has now received 28 top foreign state honours, the highest number conferred on any Indian Prime Minister.
‘This Honour Belongs to Every Indian’: PM Modi
Accepting the award, Prime Minister Modi said the honour was not personal but belonged to the people of India, whose efforts have strengthened ties between the two nations.
“Just now, I have been conferred with the highest award of the country — The Great Honor Nishan of Ethiopia. To be honoured by a very ancient and prosperous civilisation of the world is a matter of great pride for me. On behalf of all Indians, I humbly accept this honour. This award is for all those numerous Indians who shaped our partnership,” the Prime Minister said.
Gratitude to Abiy Ahmed, Recall of G20 Invitation
PM Modi also expressed heartfelt appreciation to Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, recalling their interaction during the G20 Summit in South Africa.
“On this occasion, I also express heartfelt gratitude to my friend PM Abiy Ahmed Ali. Last month, when we met during the G20 Summit in South Africa, with great love and warmth, you had urged me to visit Ethiopia. How could I have turned down this invitation from my friend, my brother? So, at the first chance, I decided to come to Ethiopia,” he added.
PM Modi on Two-Day Visit to Ethiopia
Prime Minister Modi arrived in Ethiopia on Tuesday for a two-day official visit and was accorded a warm welcome upon his arrival. The visit underscores India’s expanding diplomatic engagement with Africa and the strengthening of historical and strategic ties with Ethiopia.
