Indian PM Narendra Modi Lays Wreath at Adwa Victory Memorial

Addis Ababa, December 17, 2025 (FMC) — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday laid a wreath at the Adwa Victory Memorial in Addis Ababa tday, paying tribute at the historic site that symbolizes Ethiopia’s victory over colonialism and the broader struggle for freedom of Black peoples.

Prime Minister Modi visited the memorial as part of his official visit to Ethiopia, during which he has held high-level talks with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

The Adwa Victory Memorial commemorates Ethiopia’s defeat of invading Italian forces in 1896, a landmark event that preserved the country’s sovereignty and inspired anti-colonial movements across Africa and the African diaspora.

Prime Minister Modi’s visit comes amid strengthened diplomatic engagement between Ethiopia and India. During bilateral talks yesterday, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and PM Narendra Modi decided to elevate the long-standing relations between the two countries to the level of a strategic partnership.

Ethiopia and India maintain long-standing diplomatic, economic, and cultural relations, with cooperation spanning investment, development partnership, education, and multilateral engagement.

It is noteworthy that Prime Minister Modi arrived in Addis Ababa on Tuesday for an official visit, marking his first trip to Ethiopia.