NEW DELHI – Indian Deputy Foreign Minister Arun Kumar Chatterjee termed as solid, strategic and important relations between India and Egypt, stressing that mutual visits between Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have deepened bilateral co-operation.
Speaking to MENA on the sidelines of a visit by an African media delegation to India’s Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi, Chatterjee noted that 2023 marked a milestone year in the history of relations between the two countries.
President Sisi participated as a guest of honor in India’s Republic Day celebrations in January 2023, while Prime Minister Modi made a state visit to Cairo in June during which the two leaders elevated relations to the level of a strategic partnership.
President Sisi also visited India in September to attend the G20 Summit, the diplomat said, stressing that the two countries are committed to strengthening relations in the different domains.
As for economic relations, Chatterjee said trade between the two countries reached $6 billion this year, with both nations aiming to double that figure.
He highlighted Indian investments in Egypt totaling around $5 billion and expressed hope for large-scale joint development projects.
He also referred to a recent phone call between President Sisi and Prime Minister Modi during which the Egyptian president expressed his condolences over the victims of a deadly terrorist attack on Indian tourists in Kashmir.
About the recent Middle East tensions following Israeli strikes on Iran, Chatterjee reiterated India’s deep concern over the current tension, calling on both sides to exercise restraint to avoid further escalation.
He said India has good relations with both Iran and Israel.
Regarding Gaza, Chatterjee affirmed India’s full support for Egypt’s efforts to achieve a ceasefire, condemning the fall of civilian casualties. He reiterated India’s unwavering support for peace and the two-state solution.
At the end, Chatterjee said his country attaches great importance to promoting political, economic and cultural cooperation with Africa.
