Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s just concluded visit to Egypt in June is significant for many reasons. The most important perspective that must be taken to consideration is the trust that both countries continue to enjoy since India’s independence.
On 25th June, PM Modi was received by the Prime Minister of Egypt, H.E. Mr. Mostafa Madbouly at the Airport in an exceptional welcome. Symbolically, it represented the very high significance that was associated with the visit. Afterwards, PM Modi met with the Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi at the AL-Ittihad Palace. In a special ceremony, President Sisi conferred upon Prime Minister Modi the ‘Order of the Nile,’ Egypt’s highest civilian award. Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude for this honor on behalf of the people of India.
Both countries have decided to elevate their bilateral relationship to “strategic partnership.” PM also paid his respects at the Heliopolis Memorial where 4000 British Indian Army soldiers laid their lives. This historical precedent during the World War I re-ignited a continuation of the ancient and medieval era. Both countries have Defence Hardware which is mostly Soviet-origin; and both have adopted similar policies to modernize their militaries. Just like India, Egypt is trying to diversify its weapons including indigenous weapons. The militaries of both countries exercise regularly, including the Cyclone exercise between Special Forces. In the future, the indigenous platforms in development in India may find Egypt as a lucrative export destination.
India and Egypt also resolved to expand cooperation to more areas. The visit emphasized the growing economic and diplomatic ties between India and Egypt, aiming to boost investment, enhances cultural linkages. Earlier, Prime Minister Modi and President Sisi warmly recalled the State Visit of President Sisi as the Chief Guest at India’s Republic Day celebrations in January 2023. In addition, establishment of the ‘India Unit’ in the Egyptian Cabinet have provided a platform for closer collaboration and coordination between the two nations.
Both leaders also discussed their cooperation within the G20 framework, emphasizing the need for a concerted voice from the Global South on issues such as food and energy insecurity, climate change, and sustainable development. PM also welcomed President Sisi to attend the G20 Leaders’ Summit that India will be hosting later this year.
Egypt and India have a long history of cooperation as leaders of the Global South. They played a critical role in formation of the Non-Aligned countries in the 50’s. The then Indian PM Jawaharlal Nehru and Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser were instrumental in establishing this movement. Although the significance of the older Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) has changed, the 2022 Ukraine-Russia conflict and the resulting pressures from the United States created a scenario which resembles the cold war era. Safeguarding self-interests for developing countries in the Global South along with pitching for peaceful negotiations has become the most suitable policy stance. This boosts the relevance of NAM.
Cultural relations between both civilizations have multiple linkages from architecture to folklore to scientific development. The establishment of the Indian Cultural Center in Cairo in 1992 paved the way for rejuvenation of the people-to people ties that were neglected. It was only apt that “Jena,” an Egyptian woman dressed in Indian sari attire sang the “Yeh Dosti” Bollywood song before PM Modi. The song that speaks about unbreakable friendship is a sign of the times to come in the relationship of both countries in the coming years as both increase economic ties. By 2022, India was the 5th largest trading partner of Egypt with the net trade crossing US$ 7 billion.
The conferring of the highest title of the country to PM Modi shows the importance that Egypt associated to ties with India. While Modi’s visit to the 11th century Al-Hakim Mosque is an important sign that India is ready to project its own minority Muslim communities and its vast Islamic heritages in the international mind too. Despite temporary setbacks, both nations have recognized the value of their shared heritage and have actively worked towards revitalizing their ties. Recent efforts to enhance economic cooperation, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic engagement highlight the mutual commitment to deepening collaboration. As they navigate the challenges of the modern world, India and Egypt stand poised to strengthen their bond and pursue shared goals on the global stage.
