PM Modi arrives in Egypt after a successful US trip

After successfully concluding the first leg of a two-country visit in the USA, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Egypt on Saturday (June 24, 2023) to undertake several bilateral meetings and crucial engagements.

The two-day visit comes at the invitation of President Abdul Fattah el-Sisi.

This visit is significant since it would be Prime Minister Modi's first trip to Egypt since taking office and the first formal bilateral trip by an Indian Prime Minister to Egypt since 1997.

In January this year, President Sisi visited India on a state visit and was the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations. Recent active ministerial-level political interactions between Egypt and India have included visits from many Egyptian ministers as well as the External Affairs, Defense, and Environment Ministers from India.

Significantly, a ministerial-level group led by the head of the Suez Canal Authority visited India last week, underscoring the priority both nations place on fostering their relationship.

Briefing the media on June 19, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said that, following his arrival in Cairo on June 24, Prime Minister would meet for the first time with the India Unit, a collection of senior ministers that President Sisi created when he returned from India. After the interaction, PM Modi is expected to meet with the Indian community in Egypt and hold meetings with prominent personalities in the country.

The next day, he will visit the Al-Hakim Mosque, a mosque refurbished by the Bohra community, followed by a visit to the Heliopolis War Grave Cemetery to pay tribute to Indian soldiers who fought in Egypt during the First World War.

PM Modi will then engage in official activities at the Presidency of Egypt, including bilateral talks with President Sisi and the signing of various MOUs and agreements.

FS Kwatra emphasized the importance of the political exchanges between India and Egypt, mentioning the recent successful visit of the Grand Mufti of Egypt to India. He also highlighted that Egypt has been invited as a special guest during India's G20 Presidency.

Kwatra expressed confidence that Prime Minister Modi's visit will strengthen the existing relationship between the two countries and facilitate further trade and economic engagement.