In a historic visit to Egypt, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was honored with the prestigious Order of the Nile, solidifying the deepening ties between the two countries. This visit marks a significant milestone in bilateral relations and emphasizes the commitment to elevate Egyptian-Indian cooperation to a strategic partnership.
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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was bestowed with Egypt’s highest honor, the Order of the Nile, by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi during his two-day state visit to Egypt. This visit marks the first time an Indian prime minister has visited Egypt in over two decades and highlights the deep ties between the two countries.
A handout picture released by the Egyptian Presidency on June 25, 2023, shows Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi (R) granting the Order of the Nile medal to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the capital, Cairo. (Photo by AFP) (Photo by -/AFP via Getty Images)
The leaders signed a declaration to elevate Egyptian-Indian ties to a “strategic partnership,” signifying a commitment to intensify cooperation and hold regular discussions. The historical connection between Egypt and India dates back to the 1950s, when they played pivotal roles in founding the Non-Aligned Movement, a movement seeking an alternative path during the Cold War.
During his visit, Modi also extended an invitation to el-Sissi to attend the Group of 20 (G20) summit, which India is hosting in September. In addition to political discussions, Modi explored cultural landmarks such as the Pyramids of Giza and the recently renovated Al-Hakim Mosque, which received support from the India-based Dawoodi Bohra community. He also paid tribute to Indian soldiers buried in the Heliopolis War Cemetery who lost their lives during World War I.
Cairo, Egypt, June 25, 2023: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (L) meets with Egyptian President Mr. Abdel Fattah al-Sisi (R) at President House in Cairo, Egypt, on June 25, 2023. Photo Ceedit: Indian Press Information Bureau/Handout
Modi’s visit to Egypt was intended to boost bilateral ties, notably in the field of trade. The prime minister stated that he hopes to increase bilateral trade to $12 billion per year within five years. The two nations’ trade exchange reached $6 billion in 2022, representing a 13.7% rise over the previous year.
To achieve their trade objectives, the governments of Egypt and India signed agreements in various fields, including agriculture, archaeology, antiquities, and competition law. These agreements aim to facilitate cooperation and enhance economic engagement between the two nations.
The close relationship between El-Sissi and Modi has developed over the past few years as both leaders have resisted pressure from the West to condemn the Russian war in Ukraine. Egypt and India have longstanding ties with Russia and share a desire to play significant roles in the global geopolitical and geoeconomic landscape.
For India, this visit to Egypt serves as an opportunity to consolidate its position as a voice of the Global South. As India prepares to host the G20 summit in September, Modi aims to enhance his country’s influence and demonstrate its commitment to diversifying partnerships beyond the Western bloc.
Egypt, on the other hand, seeks to expand its economic cooperation with India to overcome the challenges it has faced in recent years. The Egyptian economy has experienced periods of turmoil due to factors such as the pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war, which affected food supplies and foreign exchange reserves. By attracting investment from India, Egypt aims to meet its foreign debt obligations and maintain food security.
Furthermore, the strategic significance of Egypt’s geostrategic location, with the Suez Canal acting as a vital trade route, makes it a gateway for India to access major markets in Europe and Africa. India has also expressed concerns about China’s growing influence in Egypt, as China’s bilateral trade with Egypt surpasses that of India.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Egypt has been hailed as a potential game-changer for bilateral relations. The conferring of Egypt’s highest honor on Modi reflects the warm ties between the two nations. This visit provides an opportunity for both countries to strengthen their economic cooperation, expand their influence on the global stage, and deepen their cultural and historical connections.
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