Egypt is important and valued strategic partner of India: EAM S Jaishankar

Jul 23, 2024

New Delhi, July 23 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on July 22 attended an event in Delhi marking the National Day celebrations of Egypt and said India is committed to taking forward the strategic partnership between the two countries. Describing Egypt as an important and valued strategic partner, Jaishankar conveyed best wishes to the Government and people of Egypt. Jaishankar said that the longstanding relationship between India and Egypt has intensified in recent years and referred to the visit of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi as the chief guest of Republic Day in 2023 and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's subsequent visit to Egypt with the bilateral relationship elevated to the strategic level. "Indeed, in substance, activities and enthusiasm, we are both living up to the new nomenclature. Our economic cooperation has been steadily diversifying, with both sides seeking new opportunities for mutual benefit. More than 50 Indian companies have already invested in various sectors of the Egyptian economy… Since 2021, our Air Forces have held regular exercises bilaterally as well as in a larger format. Our Special Forces too are conducting their own exercises, most recently in January of this year. There are frequent and regular visits to Egyptian ports of Indian Naval Ships. And our defence industries are refreshing an old tradition through new activities and collaboration… We are cognizant that Yoga is enormously popular in Egypt. Prime Minister Modi himself referred to it during his Yoga address on the last International Day of Yoga. There is an interest as well in learning Indian languages and interactions between our Universities remain strong… Let me reiterate my Government's commitment to take our strategic partnership forward,” said S Jaishankar.