PM Modi reaches Addis Ababa, welcomed by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali at the airport

Addis Ababa, 16 December. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday arrived in Ethiopia after completing a historic visit to Jordan, where he began the second leg of his three-nation tour. This is his first state visit to Ethiopia. As a special honour, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali himself warmly welcomed Prime Minister Modi at the airport.

After welcoming me at Addis Ababa airport, Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali drove me to the Science Museum in the city. This Museum showcases different aspects of science and innovation and how they can be harnessed for Ethiopia’s progress.@AbiyAhmedAli pic.twitter.com/BKxxCBfKdk

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 16, 2025

The welcome in Ethiopia was special in many ways. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali himself drove Prime Minister Modi to the hotel. During this, he also showed the Science Museum and Friendship Park on the way. The visit was not part of the official itinerary, but was conducted on the personal initiative of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

Landed in Addis Ababa a short while ago. Honored by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali’s gesture of welcoming me at the airport. Ethiopia is a nation with great history and vibrant culture. India and Ethiopia share deep civilizational ties. I look forward to engaging with the… pic.twitter.com/VmItBETPKo

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 16, 2025

Ethiopia, a nation with great history and vibrant culture

Prime Minister Modi wrote on the social media platform ‘X’, ‘Reached Addis Ababa some time ago. I feel honored to receive the warm welcome given by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali at the airport. Ethiopia is a nation with great history and vibrant culture. India and Ethiopia have deep civilizational ties. I look forward to dialogue with the Ethiopian leadership to further strengthen our partnership in various areas.

There will be comprehensive discussion on all aspects of bilateral relations between the two leaders.

The visit is being held at the invitation of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali and reflects the growing strategic importance of India-Ethiopia relations. During the visit, there will be extensive discussions on all aspects of bilateral relations between Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali. These include political cooperation, developmental partnership, trade, investment and people-to-people contacts. As partners of the Global South, the two leaders are expected to reiterate their common commitment to further strengthen friendship and expand cooperation for mutual interests.

At Addis Ababa airport, took part in a traditional Coffee Ceremony with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali. The ceremony beautifully highlights Ethiopia’s rich heritage.@AbiyAhmedAli pic.twitter.com/mzlRLHek2v

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 16, 2025

PM Modi will address the joint session of the Ethiopian Parliament

Modi will also meet members of the Indian community in Ethiopia and address a joint session of the Ethiopian Parliament. It is noteworthy that this is the first visit of an Indian Prime Minister to Ethiopia since 2011. Addis Ababa has been decorated with welcome hoardings, posters and Indian flags in honor of Prime Minister Modi.

Ethiopia is India’s trusted partner in the Global South

Ethiopia is considered an important and trusted partner of India in Africa and the Global South. The visit is expected to take bilateral cooperation between the two countries to new heights. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali has previously played a key role in various editions of the ‘Voice of the Global South Summit’. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the visit reflects India’s continued commitment to deepening South-South cooperation and strengthening its partnership with Africa.