INDIA EGYPT RELATIONS

Description

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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)