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OPINION FEBRUARY 10, 2023 | The Indian Eye 10

Egyptian President Al Sisi’s Visit

to India Strengthens Partnership

Egypt has been one of India’s important trading partners in the West Asia and Africa region. The cur-

rent bilateral trade between India and Egypt is around US$ 7.26 billion. There has been a significant
interest of Indian industry in developing commercial relations with the country

RUCHITA BERI

gyptian President Abdel Fateh
Al Sisi was on a visit to India
Efrom 24 to 26 January 2023.
Al Sisi was in India as chief guest for
the 74th Republic Day celebrations
held in New Delhi. The visit coincid-
ed with both countries celebrating 75
years of establishment of diplomatic
relations. It was the first time that In-
dia had invited a leader from Egypt
for the ceremony. The Egyptian
President had close discussions with
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on
bilateral, regional and global issues.
A number of agreements on crucial
areas were also signed between the
two sides.
Why Does Egypt Matter?
The visit of Egyptian president
underlines the growing importance
of Cairo for New Delhi. There are
several factors that highlight this in-
tent. First, India and Egypt share a
civilisational connect. Their relation-
ship can be traced back to the ancient
times. Similarly, Egypt’s strategic
location at the crossroads of Africa,
Asia and Europe gives it immense
value. It also controls the Suez Ca-
nal, the only direct channel of global
trade between waters connecting Eu-
rope with the Indo-Pacific. Approx-
imately 12 per cent of global trade
traverses through the Suez Canal.
At the same time, Egypt has
been one of India’s important trad-
ing partners in the West Asia and
Africa region. The current bilateral
trade between India and Egypt is
around US$ 7.26 billion. There has Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the President of Egypt, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi at Kartavya Path on the occasion of
been a significant interest of Indian
industry in developing commercial 74th Republic Day 2023, in New Delhi (ANI Photo)
relations with the country. Over 50
Indian companies are present in the way to Africa due to its strong trad- ment partners within the South– towards expanding development co-
country and the total Indian invest- ing links and free trade agreements South cooperation framework. Both operation and investment with oth-
ment is over US$ 3 billion. They are across the continent. The country countries also share the common er countries on the continent. The
present in diverse sectors, such as offers fresh opportunities to Indian viewpoint of supporting African possibilities of both India and Egypt
agriculture, automobile, energy and private sector and industry to expand countries’ development aspirations. working towards triangular develop-
chemicals. its presence in the continent. More- During its presidency of the Afri- ment cooperation with other African
Egypt is also perceived as a gate- over, India and Egypt are develop- can Union, Egypt took some steps Continued on next page... >>

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