By: Rahul Kumar Ojha
Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi will be the Chief Guest at the Republic Day celebrations of India on January 26, 2023 marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations. The visit, which will take place from January 25-27, 2023 is expected to focus on a number of key areas, including security, defence, cybersecurity, and agriculture.
In terms of security, the two countries are expected to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation in the fight against terrorism. India and Egypt have both been affected by terrorism in recent years, and by working together, they can share information and best practices to help combat this global threat.
Defence is also set to be a major topic of discussion during President Sisi’s visit. India is one of the largest importers of defence equipment in the world, and Egypt is a major producer of military hardware. By strengthening defence ties, the two countries can explore opportunities for collaboration in the defence industry, including joint ventures and technology transfer.
Cybersecurity is another area where India and Egypt can benefit from increased cooperation. As the world becomes increasingly digitised, the threat of cyber-attacks is on the rise. By working together, the two countries can better protect their citizens and businesses from cybercrime.
Agriculture is also expected to feature prominently on the agenda during President Sisi’s visit. India and Egypt have a long history of cooperation in this field, and by sharing knowledge and expertise, they can help to improve food security and increase agricultural productivity.
In addition to these key areas, the two countries are also expected to discuss a range of other topics, including trade and investment, education, and culture. President Sisi’s visit is an opportunity for India and Egypt to build on the strong foundations of their bilateral relationship and explore new ways to cooperate and collaborate.
Overall, President Sisi’s visit to India is a significant step forward in the relationship between the two countries. The discussions on security, defence, cyber security and agriculture will play an important role in building trust and cooperation between India and Egypt. This visit will also help in further strengthening the ties and will pave the way for a more prosperous future for both the nations.
India and Egypt have a long history of defence cooperation, dating back to the 1950s. This cooperation has been characterised by regular high-level visits, joint military exercises, and the sale of military equipment.
In the past, India has provided military assistance to Egypt in the form of training and equipment. India has trained Egyptian military personnel in various fields such as artillery, engineering, and communications. India has also provided military equipment to Egypt, including tanks and transport aircraft.
Both countries have also conducted joint military exercises in the past. In 2008, India and Egypt conducted their first joint military exercise, named ‘Sahyog-Kaijin’, which focused on counter-terrorism operations. Since then, both countries have regularly conducted joint military exercises, with the most recent one being held in 2019, called ‘Hand-in-Hand 2019’ which was held in Rajasthan, India.
India and Egypt have also cooperated in the area of defence industry and technology. India has provided assistance to Egypt in the establishment of a defence production facility, and both countries have collaborated in the development of military hardware such as radar and communication systems.
In recent years, India and Egypt have been working to further strengthen their defence cooperation. In 2018, India and Egypt signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on defence cooperation, which includes provisions for regular consultations and exchanges between the two countries on defence-related matters, and for cooperation in areas such as counter-terrorism, maritime security, and defence industry.
India and Egypt have also been cooperating on regional and international security issues, including in the United Nations and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). Both countries have also been working together to combat terrorism and extremism in the region.
In conclusion, India and Egypt have a long history of defence cooperation, which has been characterised by regular high-level visits, joint military exercises, and the sale of military equipment. Both countries have also been working to further strengthen their defence cooperation in recent years, including through regular consultations and cooperation in areas such as counter-terrorism, maritime security, and defence industry. The defence relationship between India and Egypt continues to be an important pillar of their bilateral relations and both countries have been working to enhance the scope and scale of their defence ties in recent years.
About the Author
Rahul Kumar Ojha is currently doing Bachelors of Journalism Mass Communication from IMS Noida. He is also a content writer and the Cultural Student President of IMS Noida. He Tweets at @Rahulojha9372.
