Significance of Indian PM Narendra Modi visit of Egypt

 

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit to Egypt is being hailed as a potential "game changer" for bilateral relations.

Analysts are expecting that the visit will pave the way for increased Indian investment in Egypt and potentially provide Egypt with a path to joining the BRICS economic bloc.

The details of the visit is discussed further.

Strengthening Strategic Relations and Exploring New Areas of Engagement:

Modi's visit marks his first as prime minister and the first by an Indian prime minister since 1997.

It follows Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi's visit to India in January, where he was the chief guest at India's Republic Day celebrations.

The visit is seen as a continuation of the elevated strategic relationship established during el-Sisi's visit.

It comes with the expectations of further expansion in trade and economic engagement.

Reciprocal Visit Reflects Continuity and Momentum:

The quick reciprocal visit, coming just six months after el-Sisi's visit to India, demonstrates the commitment to maintaining the momentum in the bilateral relationship.

Indian foreign ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi expressed confidence that the visit would not only strengthen the ties but also explore new areas of trade and economic cooperation.

Diversifying Partnerships and Global Influence:

On the one hand, Egypt seeks to diversify its partnerships beyond the Western bloc, while on the other India aims to consolidate its position as a voice of the Global South, especially as it prepares to host the G20 meeting in September.

Both countries have historically enjoyed friendly relations and were founding members of the Non-Aligned Movement.

Strategic Access to the Middle East and North Africa:

Egypt's repeated visits to India and its desire to increase Indian investment indicate its interest in deeper ties with India.

Egypt's geostrategic significance as the gateway to major markets in Europe and Africa, as well as its crucial location along the Suez Canal, presents opportunities for India to expand its presence in the Middle East and North Africa region.

Balancing China and Expanding Regional Influence:

Analysts suggest that Modi aims to balance China's influence within BRICS and prevent Pakistan, a close ally of China, from joining the bloc.

By supporting Egypt's desire to join BRICS, India can project itself as a significant player in the Arab world and Africa.

It also allows India to counterbalance China's growing presence in Egypt and increase its regional influence.

India has also been concerned about China’s growing influence in Egypt.

China’s bilateral trade with Egypt is currently at $15bn, double that of India’s $7.26bn in 2021-22. The latest bilateral trade reached $5.18bn from April 22 to January 23.

Economic Challenges and Mutual Benefits:

Egypt's economy has faced challenges due to the pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war's impact on its food supply and foreign exchange reserves.

In 2022, despite putting restrictions on wheat exports, India stepped in to assist crisis-ridden Egypt and allowed shipments of 61,500 metric tonnes to the country.

Egypt looks to India for investment to meet its foreign debt obligations and maintain food security.

For India, closer ties with Egypt can provide access to major markets and counter China's trade dominance in the region.

Access to Europe, Africa, and Israel:

India's broader foreign policy outreach aims to enhance its stature in the Global South.

By aligning with Egypt, India gains deeper access to the Arab world, Africa, and the opportunity to strengthen ties with Israel.

Egypt's declining influence in regional affairs presents India with an opportunity to fill the gap and expand its presence on the international stage.

Fazzur Rahman Siddiqui, senior research fellow at the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA), New Delhi, was quoted by Al Jazeera as saying;

 “Egypt has lost its voice in regional affairs like in Palestine, Ethiopia, and many African countries over the years. The kind of say it used to have; they have lost their shine. And Egypt is now looking beyond the continent, and India happens to be potential for its growing stature.”

Solidifying Relations and Exploring New Horizons:

The Egyptian ambassador to India, Wael Mohamed Awad Hamed expressed optimism about the visits, describing them as "game-changers" that reinforce each other's position on the international front.

He highlighted the potential for Egypt to serve as a springboard for India's connections to Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

The establishment of direct air connections and the possibility of an Indian industrial zone in Egypt further solidify the bilateral relationship and open new horizons for cooperation.

(Courtesy; Al-Jazeera)