Indian Prime Minister visits Egypt to develop strategic relations

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Cairo. (Source: MEA India)

On the afternoon of June 24 local time, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Cairo, beginning an official visit to Egypt for two days from June 24-25, aiming to strengthen and develop strategic relations between the two countries in all fields, especially politics and economics.

Host Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli received Prime Minister Modi at Cairo International Airport.

On the afternoon of June 24, the two leaders held talks to discuss aspects of bilateral cooperation between Egypt and India.

During the two-day visit, the Indian Prime Minister is expected to meet President Abdel Fatteh El-Sisi to discuss political and economic ties between the two countries. This is Modi's first official visit and the first official visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Egypt since 1997.

Egypt has a unique geostrategic position lying on the Red Sea, the Mediterranean Sea and the Suez Canal, making the North African country an integral part of India's Indo-Pacific strategy as well as India's strategy towards Africa.

Indian Ambassador to Cairo Ajit Gupte affirmed on June 24 that Prime Minister Modi's visit to Cairo will create new momentum for the multifaceted relationship between the two countries.

According to Mr. Gupte, the visit takes place in the context of the unprecedented development of relations between Cairo and New Delhi at all levels since Mr. El-Sisi assumed the position of President of Egypt in 2014.

[Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Egypt for the first time]

Egypt-India relations were upgraded to a Strategic Partnership during El-Sisi's official visit to New Delhi in January 2023 as the chief guest at India's 74th Republic Day celebrations.

On this occasion, President El-Sisi and Prime Minister Modi announced that they would increase bilateral trade turnover to 12 billion USD in the next 5 years.

Egypt is one of India's most important trading partners in Africa. According to official Egyptian figures, trade between Egypt and India increased by 13.7% in 2022 compared to the previous year to $6 billion.

More than 50 Indian companies are currently operating in Egypt with a total investment of $3.15 billion, providing direct employment to about 38,000 Egyptian workers. About 3,600 Indian citizens are living, studying and working in Egypt.

In addition, India and Egypt are also stepping up cooperation in the defense sector. In January 2023, the two countries' militaries held a joint exercise in Jaisalmer, India, to enhance cooperation and share skills in desert combat, counter-terrorism, reconnaissance and other special operations./.

According to NGUYEN TRUONG (Vietnam News Agency/Vietnam+)

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