India-Egypt relations: PM’s Egypt Visit

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic two day state visit to Egypt renewed India ties with Egypt.

Historical - The history of contacts between India and Egypt, two of the world’s oldest civilisations, can be traced back to at least the time of Emperor Asoka.
Geostrategic - Egypt, the most populous country in West Asia, occupies a crucial geo-strategic location — 12% of global trade passes through the Suez Canal.
It is a major market for India and can act as a gateway to both Europe and Africa.
Political - The joint announcement of the establishment of diplomatic relations at the Ambassadorial level was made in 1947.
India’s Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Egypt’s President Gamal Abdel Nasser signed the friendship treaty in 1955 and they were key to form the NAM in 1961.
New Delhi views Egypt as a moderate Islamic voice, which has made an attempt to play a positive role in the 57-member Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
Economic - The India-Egypt bilateral trade agreement has been in operation since 1978 and is based on the most-favoured nation clause.
The bilateral trade has increased more than five times in the past 10 years.
Agriculture will be a key area of cooperation as Egypt is facing a shortage of food grains due to Ukraine Russia war.

egypt 2023

Prime Minister’s visit to Egypt marks a significant moment in bilateral relations.
It is the first visit to Egypt by an Indian Prime Minister since 1997.
The state visit elevated the Egypt-India relationship to a strategic partnership.
Egypt’s rising stature in Africa and the strategic importance of the Suez Canal further enhance its role in global geopolitics and trade.
Thus it is a significant move for India’s ties with the West Asia-North Africa (WANA) region.

Prime Minister was conferred with the ‘Order of the Nile’, Egypt’s highest honour, by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi at Cairo.
Four agreements were signed between India and Egypt during the visit.
The strategic partnership between India and Egypt for clean energy.
Three Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) were also signed in the fields of agriculture, archaeology and antiquities, and competition law.
Lately, ‘India Unit’ was newly formed in the Egyptian Cabinet to act as a tool in steering bilateral collaborations.
He visited the Al-Hakim Mosque and met with Egypt’s Grand Mufti.

President of Egypt, H.E. Mr. Abdel Fattah El-Sisi visited India as Chief Guest for Republic Day 2023

Their positions on the Ukraine war have been extremely similar, both India and Egypt calling for a diplomatic resolution.
India supplied wheat to Egypt that was hit by the blockade on exports from Russia and Ukraine last year, before the Black Sea Grain Initiative stepped in.
Pillars of ties - The India-Egypt strategic partnership is to be built on 4 pillars that have formed the core of the relationship -
- Politics, defence and security
- Economic engagement
- Academic and scientific exchanges
- Cultural and people-to-people contacts

Egypt is a “guest country” at the upcoming G-20 summit to be held in September 2023.

The Egypt-India partnership holds tremendous regional and global significance and enables India to fortify its economic ties, extend its global reach, and safeguard its maritime interests.
Regional - It strengthens India’s foothold in Africa.
Global - India can build on Egypt’s expanding presence in Africa and elevate its own position on the global stage.
Defence - Egypt’s pursuit of a self-reliant defence industry aligns with India’s defence capabilities.
Egypt’s interest in acquiring the Tejas LCA Mk-1A aircraft from India opens avenues for collaboration in the aviation sector.
Egypt could serve as a pivotal gateway for India to expand its defence capabilities and access significant markets with its network of defence alliances with African nations.
Economic - The Suez Canal holds paramount significance for India’s trade, connectivity, and maritime security prospects.
Egypt is positioned as the second largest economy in Africa after Nigeria.
Strategic ties with Egypt will open India’s access to Africa markets under the umbrella of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Connectivity - Establishing Indian industrial zones in the strategic Suez Canal region would facilitate seamless connectivity.
The Industrial Zone will enable India to bring its manufacturing capabilities to Africa’s expanding markets.
Clean Energy - The green and renewable collaboration will be an important part of India’s future partnership with Egypt.