Being strategic partners, sky is limit for India-Egypt relations: Indian Ministry of External Affairs

Daily News Egypt

10 hours ago

New Delhi–In an era marked by rapidly shifting geopolitical dynamics, India is asserting an increasingly influential role—not only as an economic powerhouse but also as a trusted partner in international development and regional stability. Daily News Egypt, invited to a high-level media briefing held at the Indian Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi, joined a select group of journalists from North and Sub-Saharan Africa to gain exclusive insight into India's expanding strategic vision.
At the heart of that vision lies a strengthening partnership with Egypt, a bilateral relationship that has recently witnessed unprecedented momentum and diversification. Alongside its deepening ties with Egypt, India is also reinforcing its age-old connections with the African continent through a distinct model of needs-based cooperation rooted in shared history, mutual respect, and inclusive development.
A Flourishing Strategic Partnership with Egypt
Arun Kumar Chatterjee, Secretary (Consular & Diaspora) in the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, described India and Egypt as strategic partners, highlighting 2023 as a landmark year in the trajectory of bilateral ties. He recalled the historic visit of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi to India in January 2023, during which he served as the chief guest at India's Republic Day celebrations—an honour reserved for the closest of allies.
Later that year, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid an official visit to Cairo in June 2023, where he and President Al-Sisi signed a joint declaration to elevate relations to the level of a strategic partnership. President Al-Sisi returned to India again in September to participate in the G20 Summit hosted by New Delhi.
'This level of engagement is unprecedented and reflects a strong, mature, and strategic relationship between our two countries,' Chatterjee noted. 'Being strategic partners, you can imagine—the sky is the limit.'
On the economic front, he reported that the current trade volume between India and Egypt stands at approximately $6bn. 'Sixbn is a promising figure, but we are not content. We aim to double this number in the coming years,' Chatterjee said, pointing to the considerable untapped potential in sectors such as manufacturing, infrastructure, agriculture, and digital technology.
He further noted that Indian investments in Egypt are currently estimated at around $5bn, adding that both governments are exploring major developmental projects to further deepen bilateral economic cooperation.
Shared Values and Solidarity Amid Global Crises
Secretary Chatterjee also expressed deep appreciation for Egypt's solidarity in the wake of a terrorist attack on Indian tourists in Kashmir. He highlighted a phone call from President Al-Sisi to Prime Minister Modi, during which the Egyptian leader conveyed Egypt's full support and condolences.
'We were extremely grateful to all our friends and partners who stood with us in the fight against terrorism. Egypt's expression of solidarity was both timely and meaningful,' Chatterjee affirmed.
Addressing more recent developments, Chatterjee commented on the Israeli strikes in Iran, saying that India had issued a formal statement expressing 'deep concern' over the escalation. He emphasised that India maintains 'very good relations with both Iran and Israel,' and continues to monitor the situation closely, particularly with regard to the safety of its large diaspora communities in both countries.
'We have advised all Indian nationals in these areas to exercise care and caution and stay safe,' he added.
India's Position on Gaza and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
Turning to the ongoing war in Gaza, Chatterjee reiterated India's principled stance in favour of peace, diplomacy, and humanitarian protection. 'India has consistently expressed concern over the loss of civilian lives and the urgent need to uphold humanitarian obligations,' he said.
He underscored India's support for international efforts to deliver aid to civilians in Gaza, stating: 'India has provided humanitarian assistance both bilaterally and through UN channels. We have also called for a safe, sustained, and timely supply of humanitarian assistance to those affected.'
On the broader conflict, he reaffirmed India's long-standing position. 'India has always supported a negotiated two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian issue—one that leads to the establishment of a sovereign, independent, and viable Palestinian state, living side by side with Israel in peace and security, within recognised and secure borders,' Chatterjee stressed.
'We believe that dialogue and diplomacy remain the best way forward, and our leaders have remained in close contact on this matter,' he added.
India's Enduring Commitment to Africa
Moving beyond the Middle East, Chatterjee also detailed India's deep and enduring partnership with Africa, which he described as 'millennia-old,' rooted in 'deep historical linkages, cultural exchanges, and vibrant people-to-people contacts.'
He highlighted the presence of a 3.5 million-strong Indian diaspora in Africa, describing it as a 'living bridge' that contributes significantly to social and economic development across the continent.
India's engagement with Africa, he explained, is framed by Prime Minister Modi's '10 guiding principles,' which emphasise Africa's own development agenda. 'Our approach is needs-based, inclusive, and designed to empower local communities, build capacities, and ensure long-term sustainability,' he said, drawing a clear contrast with extractive or exploitative models of cooperation.
Chatterjee noted that India has significantly expanded its diplomatic footprint in Africa in recent years, establishing 17 new embassies and high commissions, bringing the total number of Indian missions on the continent to 46.
Investing in People, Infrastructure, and Innovation
India has also made education and capacity-building cornerstones of its Africa engagement. Over the past decade, more than 37,000 African professionals have been trained in India through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) and Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) programmes.
Flagship educational institutions such as the Indian Institute of Technology in Zanzibar, the National Forensic Sciences University in Uganda, and Entrepreneurship Development Centres in Rwanda stand as tangible outcomes of this partnership. In addition, India has supported the establishment of numerous IT centres across the continent.
On the infrastructure front, Chatterjee noted that India is currently involved in more than 200 development projects in Africa in sectors such as transportation, energy, agriculture, and water resource management. Over the last ten years alone, India has extended over $700 million in grant assistance to African countries.
A Trusted Economic and Technological Partner
Economically, India is now Africa's fourth-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade volumes nearing $100bn. Indian investments across the continent have reached approximately $75bn, spanning sectors including information technology, pharmaceuticals, automotive manufacturing, mining, and banking.
India, Chatterjee noted, was also the first developing country to offer duty-free access to exports from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) through its Duty-Free Tariff Preference (DFTP) scheme, introduced in 2008.
He expressed optimism about the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), describing it as a 'game-changer' with immense potential to integrate African economies more fully into the global trade system.
India, he said, continues to advocate for stronger African representation in international institutions and supports Africa's participation in multilateral initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance, the Global Biofuel Alliance, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, and the International Big Cat Alliance.
'As a trusted technology partner, India is ready to share its digital innovations like India Stack,' Chatterjee stated, citing examples of African nations already utilising UPI-based digital payments and national ID systems to promote financial inclusion.
He added that India is also collaborating on the use of space technologies for precision agriculture, weather forecasting, and disaster preparedness.
India's Global Ambition Rooted in Shared Growth
In closing, Chatterjee reflected on India's internal transformation, noting its rise to become 'the world's fourth-largest economy,' driven by inclusive growth and digital innovation.
From domestic development to global partnerships, he said, India remains guided by the ancient ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—'The world is one family.'