India and Egypt, which has been invited as guest country for the Republic Day ceremony, are emerging as “ideal strategic and economic partners with potential cooperation” in defence, security, counter-terrorism, among other things, according to Egyptian analyst Mohammed Soliman.
“India exempted Egypt from its recent wheat ban, and the two nations expanded their cooperation in pharmaceuticals,” he added.
The plan to develop the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE) into a global manufacturing hub is now attracting critical mass. India can make use of these investment opportunities and Indian firms could invest in the Suez Canal Economic Zone with requisite incentives.
Recently, Egyptian Minister of Communication and Information Technology Amr Talaat visited India. Talaat’s visit demonstrates Egypt’s intention to seek cooperation with the Indian information technology sector.
Egypt seeks cooperation with India in communications and information technology, particularly in sectors related to digital transformation, the electronics industry, setting up digital capabilities for youth, research and development, and cyber security.
In 2018, Egypt signed the International Solar Alliance (ISA) framework agreement as a founding member and ratified it in January 2019. The agreement gives an opportunity to Egypt to work with India on solar energy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
India also supplied wheat to Egypt as the Russia-Ukraine conflict had threatened the nation with a shortage of wheat as Egypt imported 80 per cent of the wheat from Russia and Ukraine. Meanwhile, the Egyptian government announced the inclusion of India in the list of accredited countries to supply wheat to Egypt in 2022.
Abdel Fattah El-Sisi is due to arrive in New Delhi on January 24. During his visit, Sisi is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and hold discussions on bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest. He will also interact with the business community in India.
The Ministry of External Affairs stated, “The forthcoming visit of President Sisi is expected to further strengthen and deepen the time-tested partnership between India and Egypt.” Notably, India and Egypt are celebrating 75 years of establishment of diplomatic ties this year. Egypt has also been invited as a ‘Guest Country’ during India’s G20 Presidency. (MILAP NEWS NETWORK)
