PM Modi Egypt Visit: In a significant development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to undertake a crucial visit to Egypt later this month.
The visit comes six months after Egypt and India upgraded their bilateral relations to the level of a strategic partnership, signifying the deepening of ties between the two nations.
Reliable diplomatic sources have confirmed this information, marking it as a significant milestone in the bilateral relationship.
This upcoming visit holds great significance as it will be Prime Minister Modi's first official visit to the African country since assuming office in 2014.
In a move aimed at bolstering bilateral ties, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's potential visit to Egypt is expected to pave the way for enhanced cooperation in various domains, such as trade, investment, agriculture, and defence.
Although no official announcement has been made regarding the visit, reliable sources indicate that discussions are underway to solidify the details of the visit.
India is seeking to enhance its relations with Egypt, which holds significant political influence in both the Arab world and Africa.
Moreover, Egypt is regarded as a crucial gateway to access the markets in Africa and Europe.
In January, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of Egypt embarked on a visit to India, marking a significant milestone in the bilateral relationship as both nations elevated their ties to a strategic partnership.
The discussions between Prime Minister Modi and President El-Sisi resulted in a mutual decision to augment the existing trade volume, aiming to reach $12 billion within the next five years, an increase from the current level of approximately $7 billion.
Notably, President El-Sisi, aged 68, was extended a special invitation to serve as the chief guest at India's Republic Day celebrations on January 26th.
Sources indicate that Prime Minister Modi's upcoming visit to Egypt will coincide with his visit to the United States. Egypt has traditionally held a prominent position as one of India's crucial trading partners in the African continent.
According to official figures, there are more than 450 registered Indian companies in Egypt, including about 50 companies operating in various sectors, with a combined investment of more than US$3 billion.
Over the years, defence and strategic cooperation between India and Egypt have witnessed a notable escalation. In January of this year, the armed forces of both nations successfully carried out their inaugural joint exercise.
Egypt has demonstrated a keen interest in procuring a range of defence equipment from India, including Tejas light combat aircraft, radars, military helicopters, and other advanced weaponry.
In July of the previous year, the Indian Air Force actively engaged in a month-long strategic leadership program held in Egypt, deploying three Sukhoi-30 MKI aircraft and two C-17 transport aircraft.
Furthermore, in September, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh undertook a three-day visit to Egypt, further strengthening bilateral defense ties.