India, Egypt Elevate Ties To Strategic Partnership

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today held talks with the President of Egypt, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in New Delhi. On this occasion, India and Egypt exchanged MoUs in the fields of cyber security, culture, information technology, youth matters and broadcasting.

In a joint press statement after the meeting, Prime Minister Modi said, terrorism is the most serious security threat to humanity and  India and Egypt are concerned about the propagation of terrorism around the world. He said both nations have decided to take bilateral relations to a strategic partnership level. Mr Modi said, there are lots of opportunities in the defence sector for both countries.

He said, India – Egypt strategic partnership can be the start of political, defence and scientific development. The Prime Minister said, both nations have also decided to further strengthen cooperation between the defence industries and to increase the exchange of counter-terrorism information and intelligence. Mr Modi expressed confidence that in the next five years, both nations will take bilateral trade to 12 billion dollars.

Speaking on the occasion, President of Egypt Abdel Fattah El-Sisi said that discussions were held to increase Indian companies’ investments in Egypt as lots of investment opportunities are available in his country. He said, both countries talked about increasing cooperation in the field of trade and investment.

President Sisi said discussions were held on fighting against terrorism and radicalization and increasing defence cooperation between Egypt and India.

The Egyptian President arrived in New Delhi yesterday evening on a three-day visit to India. President Sisi will be the Chief Guest on India’s 74th Republic Day.

President Sisi was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan this morning. President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Modi and several other leaders were present on the occasion. President Sisi laid a wreath at Rajghat and paid his respects to Mahatma Gandhi. External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar was also called on President of Egypt earlier this morning.

In a statement in the morning, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi said, it is a great privilege to be a guest of honour and participate in the glorious national day. He said, the relations between Egypt and India have been characterised by balance and stability. President Sisi expressed hope that the bilateral relations between the two countries will be further strengthened.