PM Modi conferred with Ethiopia’s highest honour by PM Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi being conferred with Ethiopia's highest honour by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is a significant diplomatic event that underscores the deepening ties between India and the African continent. This recognition is not merely a personal accolade but a testament to India's burgeoning influence and its strategic engagement with the Global South, particularly Africa.

**Background Context and Historical Ties:**

India and Ethiopia share a rich historical relationship, dating back centuries through ancient trade routes. In modern times, both nations were instrumental in shaping the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) during the Cold War era, advocating for sovereignty and self-determination for newly independent nations. Leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Emperor Haile Selassie shared a vision for a multipolar world and South-South cooperation. This historical foundation has provided a strong basis for contemporary relations, marked by mutual respect and shared developmental aspirations. In recent decades, India has intensified its 'Look Africa' or 'Act Africa' policy, recognizing the continent's strategic and economic importance. This policy emphasizes capacity building, technology transfer, concessional credit, and people-to-people connections, moving beyond traditional donor-recipient models to a more equitable partnership.

**What Happened and Key Stakeholders:**

The event saw Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed presenting his country's highest civilian honour to PM Modi. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi confirmed this, stating the award acknowledged PM Modi's contributions to strengthening the India-Ethiopia partnership and his visionary leadership as a global statesman. The key stakeholders involved are:

* **Prime Minister Narendra Modi (India):** As the recipient, he represents India's foreign policy thrust, which prioritizes engagement with African nations. His leadership has seen a proactive approach to multilateral diplomacy and bilateral relationship building.

* **Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (Ethiopia):** The presenter of the award, he signifies Ethiopia's appreciation for India's partnership. PM Abiy Ahmed, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate himself (2019), plays a crucial role in regional stability and economic development in the Horn of Africa.

* **India (Ministry of External Affairs):** The official body responsible for India's foreign relations, it orchestrates and implements the diplomatic initiatives that lead to such recognitions.

* **Ethiopia:** A strategically important nation in East Africa, host to the African Union headquarters, and a significant economic partner for India.

**Significance for India:**

This honour carries substantial significance for India. Firstly, it enhances India's diplomatic standing and soft power in Africa. Ethiopia, being a key player in the African Union, makes this recognition particularly potent. It signals India's commitment to fostering genuine partnerships, distinct from the historical colonial models or transactional approaches of some other global powers. Economically, India is one of the largest foreign investors in Ethiopia, with Indian companies investing in diverse sectors like manufacturing, agriculture, and services. This award could further open doors for increased trade, investment, and collaboration in areas such as infrastructure, digital technology, and healthcare. Strategically, strengthening ties with Ethiopia contributes to India's broader objective of building a multipolar world order and diversifying its geopolitical partnerships.

**Constitutional and Policy Frameworks:**

India's foreign policy, which underpins such engagements, is guided by constitutional principles. **Article 51 of the Indian Constitution** is particularly relevant, directing the State to