INDIA EGYPT RELATIONS

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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)

https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/pm-modi-state-visit-egypt-lands-in-cairo-for-first-bilateral-visit-after-26-years-101687611693170.html

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