INDIA EGYPT RELATIONS
Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.
Context
- The state visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Egypt.
Details
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a two-nation tour, including a state visit to Egypt, upon the invitation of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.
- This visit marked PM Modi's first visit to Egypt as Prime Minister and the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 26 years.
Arrival and Ceremonial Welcome
- PM Modi was warmly received in Cairo with a ceremonial welcome and guard of honor.
- Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly personally welcomed PM Modi at the airport, highlighting the significance of the visit.
Bilateral Engagements
- A roundtable meeting with the Egyptian Prime Minister and a meeting with President El-Sisi were scheduled during the two-day state visit.
- The discussions aimed to strengthen bilateral ties, enhance cooperation on various issues, and explore new avenues of collaboration.
Interactions and Cultural Engagements
- PM Modi had the opportunity to interact with the Indian community in Egypt, fostering a sense of connection and understanding.
- He also visited the Grand Mufti of Egypt, Dr Shawki Ibrahim Abdel-Karim Allam, and engaged with Egyptian thought leaders.
Visit to Al-Hakim Mosque
- PM Modi visited the historic Al-Hakim Mosque in Cairo, named after the 16th Fatimid caliph, Al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah.
- This visit showcased the rich cultural heritage and historical ties between India and Egypt.
Tribute to Indian Soldiers
- PM Modi paid homage to the Indian soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice fighting for Egypt during World War I.
- He visited the Heliopolis War Grave cemetery, honoring over 4,300 Indian soldiers who perished in Egypt and Aden during the war.
Strategic Partnership and Agreements
- India and Egypt signed a strategic partnership agreement, marking a significant milestone in their bilateral relationship.
- Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed in the fields of agriculture, archaeology and antiquities, and competition law.
- Discussions also encompassed multilateral cooperation, including the G-20, food security, energy, and climate change.
Order of the Nile and Honors
- Prime Minister Modi was honored with the Order of the Nile, Egypt's highest state honor, by President El-Sisi.
- This gesture reflected the warmth and affection Egypt holds for India and its people.
People-to-People Exchanges
- PM Modi met with Tarek Heggy, a renowned Egyptian author and petroleum strategist, to discuss various issues, including radicalism and gender equality.
- These engagements aimed to foster vibrant people-to-people exchanges and deepen the ties between India and Egypt.
Future Prospects
- Egypt's status as a guest country at the upcoming G-20 summit in India indicated growing collaboration and closer ties between the two nations.
- The visit paved the way for enhanced cooperation on economic, political, and cultural fronts, with potential for increased trade and mutual benefits.
About Egypt-India Relations
Historical Ties
- Egypt and India share ancient historical and cultural connections that date back centuries.
- Trade and cultural exchanges flourished between the two regions, primarily through maritime routes.
Diplomatic Relations
- Egypt and India established diplomatic relations in 1955, shortly after Egypt gained independence from colonial rule.
- Both countries have maintained a positive and friendly relationship over the years, characterized by frequent high-level visits and cooperation.
Economic Cooperation
- Bilateral trade between Egypt and India has been growing steadily. In 2020, the total trade volume reached approximately $3 billion.
- Areas of cooperation include agriculture, information technology, tourism, pharmaceuticals, and textiles.
- Both countries have signed various agreements to enhance economic ties and facilitate investments.
Cultural and Educational Exchanges
- Cultural exchanges between Egypt and India have strengthened mutual understanding and friendship.
- The Indian Cultural Center in Cairo and the Maulana Azad Center for Indian Culture in Alexandria promote cultural activities, language courses, and academic collaborations.
- Egyptian tourists visit India to explore its cultural and historical sites, while Indian tourists are attracted to Egypt's ancient treasures.
Political Cooperation
- Egypt and India have collaborated on multilateral platforms such as the United Nations, Non-Aligned Movement, and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
- They have supported each other's candidatures for various international positions and have coordinated positions on global issues.
Defense and Security Cooperation
- Defense cooperation between Egypt and India has gained momentum in recent years, including exchanges, joint exercises, and defense equipment procurement.
- Both countries have a shared interest in countering terrorism and promoting regional security.
|
PRACTICE QUESTION Q) Assess the impact of India-Egypt bilateral ties on regional stability and their potential for future collaboration in the context of changing geopolitical scenarios. (150 words) |
1.png)
