Ethiopian Singers Honor PM Modi with Vande Mataram Performance During Historic Diplomatic Visit

Ethiopian performers delivered a moving rendition of India's national song "Vande Mataram" during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Addis Ababa on Tuesday evening. Footage captured by ANI showed the Prime Minister visibly delighted, applauding enthusiastically as the Ethiopian artists performed the iconic Indian composition with their distinctive musical style and traditional instruments.

The performance took place during PM Modi's diplomatic visit to Ethiopia from Jordan. Prior to this cultural showcase, he received a ceremonial welcome at the National Palace where he was scheduled for important bilateral discussions.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali personally welcomed Modi at the airport and accompanied him to his accommodation. The Ethiopian leader surprised Modi by including unscheduled visits to the Science Museum and Friendship Park during their journey, demonstrating the warm diplomatic relations between the nations.

Earlier in his visit, Modi expressed his commitment to enhancing the partnership between India and Ethiopia across various sectors through collaboration with Ethiopian leadership.

In recognition of his contributions to strengthening India-Ethiopia relations, PM Modi was bestowed with Ethiopia's highest civilian honor, The Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia, during a ceremony at the Addis International Convention Centre on Tuesday. The Ministry of External Affairs highlighted that Modi is the first international head of state or government to receive this prestigious distinction, acknowledging his significant diplomatic achievements and global statesmanship.

The following day, Modi addressed a joint session of the Ethiopian Parliament, marking the 18th international parliament he has addressed during his tenure. In his speech, he noted the symbolic connection between Ethiopia and his home state of Gujarat, mentioning that both regions are renowned for their lions, creating a sense of familiarity during his visit.

Meanwhile in India, "Vande Mataram" has recently been the subject of political discourse on its 150th anniversary. The BJP has claimed that under former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's leadership, the Congress party abbreviated the song in 1937 for political appeasement. Congress representatives including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Jairam Ramesh have defended the historical decision, stating it was intended to foster national unity and inclusiveness.