Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday laid wreath at the Adwa Victory Monument in Addis Ababa, paying tribute to Ethiopia’s historic victory in the 1896 Battle of Adwa, which symbolised African resistance to colonialism and safeguarded the country’s independence.
The Adwa Victory Monument is a contemporary complex commemorating Ethiopia’s triumph over Italian forces. It houses a museum featuring artefacts, weapons and historical dioramas, along with conference halls, an amphitheatre and a library, and serves as a cultural, research and tourism centre highlighting Ethiopia’s heritage and the global struggle against colonial rule.
PM Modi also visited the Adwa Museum, where officials briefed him on Ethiopia’s history and the significance of the Battle of Adwa.
Highlighting the visit, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X, “PM Narendra Modi laid a wreath at the Adwa Victory Monument in Addis Ababa, honouring Ethiopia’s enduring spirit of resistance and sovereignty. A tribute to the heroes of Adwa and a salute to Africa’s proud legacy of freedom, dignity and resilience. PM Narendra Modi also visited Adwa Museum, a living testament to Ethiopia’s bravery, unity and pursuit of self-determination.”
The Prime Minister also addressed a joint session of the Ethiopian Parliament on Wednesday. Ethiopian lawmakers gave a standing ovation and cheered as PM Modi began his address. This marked the 18th national Parliament worldwide to be addressed by PM Modi.
PM Modi arrived in Ethiopia on Tuesday on a two-day visit at the invitation of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, marking a key leg of his official tour and underscoring the growing strategic partnership between the two countries.
In a notable gesture, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed personally received PM Modi at the airport and drove him to the hotel, also showing him the Science Museum and Friendship Park, which were not part of the original itinerary. Members of the Indian community in Ethiopia extended a warm welcome to the Prime Minister on his arrival in Addis Ababa.
During the visit, PM Modi was conferred Ethiopia’s highest civilian honour, the ‘Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia’, for which he expressed gratitude to the government and people of Ethiopia.
