• Source:JND

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received an unusually warm and personal welcome in Ethiopia on Tuesday, with Nobel Peace Prize-winning Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali himself driving the Indian leader from Addis Ababa airport to his hotel and making an unscheduled stop at the Science Museum and Friendship Park.

PM Modi arrived in Addis Ababa on the second leg of his four-day, three-nation tour, following a high-profile visit to Jordan. At the airport, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed personally greeted Modi before escorting him in his own vehicle, a move that diplomats described as symbolic of deep respect and trust.

During the drive, Abiy Ahmed took Modi to the Science Museum and Friendship Park, a stop that was not part of the official itinerary, turning the transfer into an informal showcase of Ethiopia’s focus on science, innovation and public spaces.

Unscheduled Stop Highlights ‘Car Diplomacy’ Trend

The Ethiopian leader also used the opportunity for informal conversation, sharing insights into the country’s famous coffee varieties and cultural traditions. Sources said the relaxed exchange reflected the personal rapport between the two leaders and echoed a growing trend of “car diplomacy,” where leaders use informal moments to strengthen ties.

This comes months after PM Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin shared a rare drive together on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit.

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India–Ethiopia Ties And Global South Focus

Ministry of External Affairs highlighted the significance of the visit. “Celebrating age-old India-Ethiopia ties! Prime Minister @narendramodi arrives in Addis Ababa on his maiden bilateral visit to Ethiopia. In a special gesture, PM @AbiyAhmedAli came to personally receive him at the airport. Prime Minister was accorded a warm and colourful welcome,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a social media post. He added that Ethiopia is a key partner for India in the Global South and a fellow BRICS member.

During the two-day visit, PM Modi is scheduled to hold wide-ranging talks with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali on all aspects of bilateral cooperation, including trade, defence, development partnership and people-to-people ties. Addis Ababa’s status as the headquarters of the African Union also adds strategic weight to the visit. 

PM Modi is also expected to address a joint session of the Ethiopian Parliament and interact with the Indian diaspora in the country. After Ethiopia, the final leg of the Prime Minister’s tour will take him to Oman, where he will focus on strengthening bilateral cooperation and engaging with the Indian community.

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