Ethiopian PM Drives Modi Twice: "Car Diplomacy" Signals Stronger India-Africa Ties

• Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed Ali personally drove PM Modi upon arrival and departure during his first bilateral visit to Ethiopia.
• This "car diplomacy" highlights the warmth of India-Ethiopia relations and India's growing engagement with the African continent.
• PM Modi has a history of informal car rides with world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin.
• Modi recently broke protocol to receive Putin at Palam Airport, driving him in a Toyota Fortuner to his residence.
• Earlier, Modi joined Putin in his Aurus Senat limousine during an SCO summit in China in 2025, signaling independent foreign policy and "Make in India."

Why It Matters: Ethiopian PM's gesture underscores strong India-Ethiopia ties and Modi's unique "car diplomacy."