Prime Minister Narendra Modi continued his signature ‘car diplomacy’ on Tuesday, arriving in Ethiopia after an eventful ride in Jordan. In Amman, Jordan’s Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II personally drove PM Modi in his BMW to the country’s museum, showcasing the informal trust and personal rapport that has become a hallmark of Modi’s foreign visits.
This ride followed previous moments, including his drive with Russian President Vladimir Putin in a Toyota Fortuner during a 2025 visit, highlighting Modi’s style of blending formal diplomacy with personal gestures.
The Ethiopia visit also carried forward the same informal touch. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali personally received Modi at Addis Ababa airport and accompanied him on the drive to his hotel, making an unscheduled stop at the Science Museum and Friendship Park. Such gestures emphasize friendship and mutual respect, reflecting India’s growing ties with Africa.
On the way to The Jordan Museum with His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al-Hussein bin Abdullah II. pic.twitter.com/CtwcQHkHBZ
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 16, 2025
Focus on India-Ethiopia Bilateral Relations
During his two-day visit, PM Modi is expected to discuss trade, investment, energy, and technology cooperation with Abiy Ahmed Ali. The visit highlights India’s focus on strengthening strategic and economic partnerships across Africa.
This Ethiopia trip is the second leg of Modi’s three-nation tour. Earlier, he concluded a landmark visit to Jordan, celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations. His BMW ride with the Crown Prince became a talking point online, symbolizing informal diplomacy and personal trust between leaders.
The Rise of ‘Car Diplomacy’
Observers note that Modi’s ‘car diplomacy’—traveling in cars with world leaders—signals closeness and strengthens bilateral ties. From the Toyota Fortuner with Putin to the BMW ride in Jordan, these personal gestures complement formal diplomacy and reflect India’s independent foreign policy stance.
Strengthening Strategic Partnerships
In Ethiopia, PM Modi’s discussions are expected to cover energy, trade, education, infrastructure, and climate resilience. His visit reinforces India’s role as a trusted partner in Africa, emphasizing cooperation and long-term partnerships.
The final leg of the tour will take PM Modi to Oman, rounding off a three-nation journey that highlights India’s proactive foreign policy. Combining formal discussions with personal gestures, such as museum visits and shared rides, PM Modi continues to expand India’s diplomatic footprint while building trust with global leaders.
