Bhubaneswar, Dec. 17 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been conferred with Ethiopia's highest civilian award on Tuesday, The Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia, making him the first global Head of State or Government to receive the prestigious accolade. The award was conferred by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali during PM Modi's two-day visit to the country.

This honour marks the 28th top foreign state award bestowed on PM Modi. Accepting the recognition, PM Modi said that it belongs to the people of India, whose trust and contributions have strengthened India-Ethiopia relations.

"To be honoured by one of the world's most ancient civilisations is a matter of great pride. I humbly accept this on behalf of 140 crore Indians," he sai...