Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday planted a sapling at the Ethiopian Parliament in Addis Ababa as part of India’s ‘Ek Ped, Maa Ke Naam’ initiative, highlighting the shared commitment of India and Ethiopia to environmental protection.
PM Modi was joined by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali. Referring to Mahatma Gandhi’s concept of trusteeship, the Prime Minister said humanity does not own the planet but holds it in trust for future generations. He noted that the spirit behind India’s initiative closely aligns with Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative.
The Ministry of External Affairs described the moment as a symbol of joint resolve. In a post on X, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the sapling reflected “two nations, two traditions, and one shared promise to honour Mother Earth and build a greener future.”
Earlier in the day, PM Modi addressed a joint session of the Ethiopian Parliament, describing it as a great honour and privilege during his first bilateral visit to the African nation.
He also paid tribute at the Adwa Victory Monument, laying a wreath to honour Ethiopia’s enduring spirit of resistance and sovereignty.
During the visit, PM Modi was conferred Ethiopia’s highest civilian honour, the ‘Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia’, in recognition of his contribution to strengthening bilateral ties.
PM Modi arrived in Ethiopia on Tuesday at the invitation of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, marking the second leg of his official tour and underscoring the growing strategic importance of India–Ethiopia relations.
