In a significant development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to arrive in Cairo on Saturday evening, upon the invitation of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. This visit holds immense historical significance as it marks the first bilateral visit by an Indian prime minister to Egypt since 1997.
Ajit Gupte, India’s Ambassador to Egypt, expressed great anticipation for Prime Minister Modi’s visit and highlighted its historic nature. In an interview with PTI, Ambassador Gupte stated, “We are very much looking forward to the visit of Prime Minister Modi to Cairo from 24th to 25th of June. The visit is a very historic occasion because the last bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister was as far back as 1997.”
During his visit, Prime Minister Modi will engage in discussions with President El-Sisi on Sunday, focusing on ways to enhance the strategic partnership between these two major nations.
Expressing his enthusiasm ahead of the trip, Prime Minister Modi stated, “I am excited to pay a state visit to a close and friendly country for the first time,” in his departure statement from New Delhi prior to his maiden state visit to the United States.
Highlighting the significance of the bilateral relationship, Prime Minister Modi acknowledged the presence of President Sisi as the Chief Guest at India’s Republic Day celebrations earlier in the year. These reciprocal visits within a short span of time reflect the rapidly evolving partnership between India and Egypt, which was elevated to a ‘Strategic Partnership’ during President Sisi’s visit to India.
“I look forward to my discussions with President Sisi and senior members of the Egyptian Government to impart further momentum to our civilizational and multi-faceted partnership,” Prime Minister Modi expressed.
Ambassador Gupte emphasized the close defense ties between Egypt and India, noting their joint exercises, training programs, and increasing defense cooperation over the past two years. This cooperation has included the participation of fighter aircraft from both countries’ air forces in joint exercises, as well as joint exercises between their Special Forces in the Rajasthan desert.
Speaking on the strategic partnership, Ambassador Gupte explained, “There is a great friendship between the people of both countries, but there was no special status to the relationship. So in the last few years, keeping in mind the rapidly growing trade, defense, and economic cooperation…the term strategic partnership is only used in a very limited and restricted manner to signify countries with whom that country wants to have very special relations.”
Furthermore, Ambassador Gupte highlighted the significance of Egypt’s participation as a guest country in the G20. “Egypt is the most populous Arab country and is located in a very strategic place. It has a lot of influence in the Arab world, and Egypt is therefore a very significant regional player,” he explained.
During his visit, Prime Minister Modi will pay respects at the Heliopolis War Memorial, a Commonwealth memorial honoring the 3,799 Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives in various battles in Egypt during World War I while defending Egypt against attacks from the Ottoman forces. Additionally, he will visit the 11th Century Al-Hakim mosque, which has been restored with the assistance of the Dawoodi Bohra community.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Egypt not only deepens the bilateral relationship but also strengthens the bond between the peoples of India and Egypt. As he engages in discussions and visits historic sites, this visit exemplifies the human touch that underpins diplomatic efforts, fostering goodwill and understanding between nations
- When is Prime Minister Modi visiting Egypt? :Prime Minister Modi is visiting Egypt from 24th to 25th of June.
- What is the purpose of Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Egypt? : The purpose of Prime Minister Modi’s visit is to strengthen the strategic partnership between India and Egypt and enhance bilateral ties.
- How long has it been since an Indian prime minister last visited Egypt? : It has been nearly 26 years since an Indian prime minister last visited Egypt. The previous bilateral visit took place in 1997.
- What will Prime Minister Modi discuss with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi? : Prime Minister Modi and President El-Sisi will hold talks to discuss ways to give further impetus to the strategic partnership between the two nations. The discussions will cover various areas of cooperation, including defense, trade, and cultural exchanges.
- How have defense ties between India and Egypt progressed in recent years? : Defense cooperation between India and Egypt has witnessed significant growth in the last two years. Both countries have been engaged in joint exercises, training programs, and high-level military delegations. This cooperation has further strengthened the defense partnership between the two nations.
- What does the term “strategic partnership” signify in the context of India and Egypt? : The term “strategic partnership” signifies a deepened and special relationship between India and Egypt. It reflects the countries’ shared interests, mutual trust, and commitment to collaborating in various fields, such as defense, trade, culture, and diplomacy.
- Why is Egypt participating as a guest country in the G20? Egypt has been invited as a guest country to the G20 due to its significant regional influence and its representation of the aspirations of developing countries. Egypt’s participation in the G20 provides an opportunity to contribute to global discussions on various socio-economic issues.
- Which significant historical sites will Prime Minister Modi be visiting during his stay in Egypt?: Prime Minister Modi will visit the Heliopolis War Memorial, which honors Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives during World War I. He will also visit the Al-Hakim mosque, an 11th-century mosque restored with the assistance of the Dawoodi Bohra community.
- How does this visit contribute to strengthening bilateral ties between India and Egypt?: Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Egypt signifies a renewed commitment to strengthening bilateral ties. It provides an opportunity to engage in high-level discussions, explore avenues for collaboration, and deepen the understanding between the two nations, thus further strengthening their partnership.
- What are the expected outcomes or benefits of Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Egypt? : The expected outcomes of Prime Minister Modi’s visit include enhanced cooperation in areas such as defense, trade, culture, and diplomacy. The visit is expected to strengthen the strategic partnership, foster people-to-people exchanges, and contribute to the overall development of bilateral relations between India and Egypt.
conclusion, Prime Minister Modi’s historic visit to Egypt marks a significant milestone in bilateral relations between India and Egypt. This visit, the first by an Indian prime minister in nearly 26 years, highlights the commitment to strengthen the strategic partnership and deepen the bonds of friendship between the two nations.
During the visit, Prime Minister Modi engaged in fruitful discussions with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, focusing on various aspects of cooperation, including defense, trade, and cultural exchanges. The growing defense ties, exemplified by joint exercises and high-level military delegations, demonstrate the evolving nature of the partnership.
