PM Modi Strengthens Ties with Egypt, Boosting India’s Influence in the Mediterranean and Suez Region

PM Modi Strengthens Ties with Egypt, Boosting India’s Influence in the Mediterranean and Suez Region

Ira Singh
26 June’23

In a significant move aimed at expanding India’s diplomatic reach and strengthening bilateral ties, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a historic visit to Egypt, signaling India’s growing influence in the Mediterranean and Suez region. The first bilateral visit by an Indian prime minister since 1997,which took place against the backdrop of India’s expanding global engagement, underscored the country’s commitment to fostering cooperation with key nations.

During his visit, Prime Minister Modi held high-level talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, resulting in the signing of several agreements and memoranda of understanding that will deepen collaboration in various sectors. The discussions covered a wide range of areas, including trade and investment, defense cooperation, energy, tourism, and cultural exchanges.According to recent reports,Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday held a meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi during which they signed an agreement to elevate the bilateral relationship to a “Strategic Partnership”.In addition, three Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the fields of agriculture, archaeology and antiquities and competition law were also signed between India and Egypt.

Another significant development was the establishment of a direct shipping route between India’s western coast and Egypt’s Mediterranean ports, utilizing the strategic Suez Canal. This move is expected to boost bilateral trade and connectivity, offering significant economic advantages to both countries and paving the way for increased maritime cooperation in the region.Prime Minister Modi and President el-Sisi also discussed ways to strengthen economic collaboration. They emphasized the potential for increased investment flows, particularly in sectors such as infrastructure development, information technology, agriculture, and renewable energy.

India’s growing influence in the Mediterranean and Suez region is seen as a significant development in its pursuit of a multipolar world order. The visit to Egypt reflects India’s proactive approach to strengthening ties with strategically important nations, ensuring a more prominent role for itself on the global stage.As India expands its presence in the Mediterranean and Suez region, it aims to contribute to regional stability, enhance economic partnerships, and strengthen maritime security cooperation. With its historical ties to Egypt and its growing economic and military capabilities, India is well-positioned to play an influential role in the region.

In the realm of culture and tourism, India and Egypt announced initiatives to promote people-to-people exchanges.The Indian community displayed their enthusiasm by waving the Tricolour and chanting “Modi Modi” and “Vande Mataram” slogans. Many people also sang Indian songs and presented cultural programmes to welcome PM Modi.

Follow up

Egypt has traditionally been one of India’s most important trading partners in the African continent and the Bilateral Trade Agreement between the two nations has been in operation since March 1978. It is based on the Most Favored Nation clause, according to the Egyptian Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics. The two countries also share a close political understanding based on a long history of contact and cooperation in bilateral, regional and global issues.

Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi during this his official visit to Egypt extended an invitation to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to attend the upcoming G20 Summit scheduled to take place in New Delhi in September this year.