'Deeply Moving': Ethiopian Singers Honour PM Modi With Soulful Rendition Of 'Vande Mataram' | Watch

Last Updated:December 17, 2025, 11:45 IST

PM Modi received a heartwarming welcome with a soulful rendition of 'Vande Mataram' at a banquet dinner hosted by his Ethiopian counterpart Abiy Ahmed Ali.

PM Narendra Modi applauds to a rendition of 'Vande Mataram' by Ethiopian singers. (Photo: X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic visit to Ethiopia – the first Indian leader to do so in 15 years – marked a significant moment in Indo-African ties as the two countries formally elevated their bilateral relationship to a “Strategic Partnership".

At a banquet dinner hosted by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, PM Modi received a heartwarming welcome with a soulful rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’ by Ethiopian singers. This moment was even more special as India is celebrating 150 years of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s iconic poem in the 1870s, which became the pinnacle of India’s struggle against British colonial rule.

“At yesterday’s banquet dinner hosted by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, a wonderful rendition of Vande Mataram was sung by Ethiopian singers. It was a deeply moving moment, that too at a time when we are marking 150 years of Vande Mataram," Modi said on X.

Accompanied by Ahmed and other leaders, PM Modi was seen cheerfully clapping when Ethiopian singers began singing Vande Mataram during the event.

Vande Mataram is a symbol of India’s nationalism during the colonial period and inspired countless youth during the freedom struggle and in strengthening democracy post-independence. Originating as a simple poem in the 1870s, it eventually became the national song of India.

PM Modi Honoured In Ethiopia

Modi arrived in Addis Ababa from Jordan on the second leg of his three-nation tour. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali personally received him at the airport, highlighting the significance Ethiopia attached to the visit. In a rare and symbolic gesture, Abiy Ahmed Ali also drove Prime Minister Modi to his hotel, underlining the close ties and mutual respect between the two leaders.

PM Modi was conferred Ethiopia’s highest award, “The Great Honor Nishan of Ethiopia," marking the 28th foreign state honour bestowed on him. He became the first international head of state or government to receive the Great Honor Nishan of Ethiopia.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs, the award was given in recognition of Prime Minister Modi’s outstanding contribution to strengthening India-Ethiopia relations and for his visionary leadership on the global stage.

“To be honoured by a very ancient and prosperous civilisation of the world is a matter of great pride for me. On behalf of all Indians, I humbly accept this honour. This award is for all those numerous Indians who shaped our partnership," the Prime Minister said.

News world 'Deeply Moving': Ethiopian Singers Honour PM Modi With Soulful Rendition Of 'Vande Mataram' | Watch

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