Egypt and India are set to implement joint projects and deepen their relations in the defense industry, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs said on June 25, following a meeting between Prime Minister Modi and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in Cairo.
The Egyptian leader welcomed Modi at the presidential palace and bestowed upon him the nation's highest honor, the Order of the Nile.
"[During the meeting], they deliberated on ways to deepen the multi-faceted partnership between both the nations. The leaders also signed agreement to elevate India-Egypt bilateral ties to 'Strategic Partnership'," the Office of the Indian prime minister said in a statement.
India also announced that it had signed an agreement with Cairo on the realization of joint projects in several fields, including the defense industry. This document provides for the start of a strategic partnership between Egypt and India, which will also cover other areas.
In particular, the document, an excerpt of which was shared by the Egyptian media, indicates the parties' intention to increase the number of joint military exercises and improve the technological potential of their military industries.
Modi and El-Sisi discussed ways to intensify ties between the two nations in the energy sector, renewable energy and culture. According to the Indian government, three memorandums of understanding in the fields of agriculture, archeology and antiquities, as well as competition law were signed.
Fighting Against Terrorism
The two countries also expressed their common concern over "the spread of terrorism in all regions of the world" and pledged to "avoid any reconciliation with terrorism and those who support it", reiterating their commitment to fight against extremist ideology.
The leaders also agreed to strengthen bilateral ties between the national security councils of the two states.
Space Exploration & Medicine
Cairo and New Delhi have agreed to increase their partnership in mutual trade of strategic products, in particular, cooperate in the production of medication and vaccines.
The two countries also intend to share the results of research in the field of information technology.
The document, signed between the two nations, among other things, highlights Egypt's interest in leveraging India's experience in space exploration, in particular, manufacturing and launching satellites. Egypt is also willing to enhance cooperation with New Delhi in the field of digital high technology and communications.
UN Reform
The leaders discussed "further cooperation in G-20, highlighting the issues of food and energy insecurity, climate change and the need for Global South to have a concerted voice," the statement from Modi's office said.
The document also highlights the agreement between Egypt and India on "the need for broad changes in the United Nations Security Council" and "mutual cooperation for the election of one party as a non-permanent member of the UNSC."
Modi arrived in the Egyptian capital on June 24 from Algiers for a two-day official visit. His trip to Cairo came six months after El-Sisi was in New Delhi as an official guest during India’s Independence Day.
Modi also invited the Egyptian president to attend the G20 summit, which India will host in September.
"My visit to Egypt was a historic one. It will add renewed vigor to India-Egypt relations and will benefit the people of our nations. I thank President Al-Sisi, the Government and the people of Egypt for their affection," Prime Minister Modi said.