Egypt's Ambassador to India, Kamel Galal, has emphasised his country's desire to deepen trade, defence, and political relations with India, highlighting the ancient civilizational bonds between the two countries and the "strategic partnership". &nbsp;Speaking to Sidhant Sibal in the WION podcast, Ambassador Galal stated, "Egypt and India have always shared this vision of upholding multilateralism, mutual respect, coexistence, partnership, and collaboration—these form the bedrock of our strategic partnership."&nbsp;Egypt has invited India to establish a presence in its Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE), leveraging free trade agreements with multiple blocs and nations, while aiming to boost bilateral trade to $12 billion within two years. In June 2023, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Cairo, the two countries upgraded their ties to a comprehensive Strategic Partnership, covering defence, commerce, and technology collaboration.&nbsp;Egypt, which has played a key role in the Gaza peace process, hosting the Sharm El Sheikh summit recently, is planning to hold a ministerial conference for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Gaza &amp; is "certainly looking forward to Indian participation in this conference", the ambassador said. The Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit, held on October 13, 2025, in Egypt's Red Sea resort, focused on implementing the US-brokered Gaza ceasefire and reconstruction plan. India was represented by Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh, serving as Prime Minister Narendra Modi's special envoy.&nbsp;He also discussed the Egypt opening Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) and attracting more Indian visitors through simplified visa procedures. The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is the world's largest archaeological museum devoted to one civilization. Covering roughly 500,000 square meters, it showcases over 100,000 artefacts across seven millennia.<h2>What is your view about the relationship?</h2>Before indulging in answering your question, allow me first of all to express my deepest condolences to all the Indian families, victims in the Delhi blast that happened, our heartfelt condolences to them and our best wishes for all the injured people for a speedy recovery from the repercussions of this blast. Regarding our relations, we need to put it into context. We have a strategic partnership that has been signed ever since June 2023, during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Cairo. We are two great ancient civilisations, and we have solid foundations for our strategic partnership. It has always been there. Our relationship started over 4700 years ago. We both fought for our independence together, shoulder to shoulder. And then again, we were shoulder to shoulder.&nbsp;&nbsp;We have two visionaries, who, by coincidence, also came in the same year, President of Egypt Sisi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, both of whom were elected in 2014 with a great ambition for their nations. They came during an era where the world, in geopolitics, is facing tremendous challenges. However, Egypt and India have always had this vision of preserving multilateral, mutual respect and coexistence, partnership and collaboration, these are the foundations for our strategic partnership. We offer India-specific zones in the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE), opening the world to Indian investments. We are also on the verge of signing an agreement on establishing a joint Chamber of Commerce, which also is another leap in the framework of our bilateral relations.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/south-africa-high-commissioner-prof-sooklal-says-pm-modi-s-g20-visit-shows-india-south-africa-bond-hopes-for-iit-campus-1763052411376">South Africa High Commissioner Prof Sooklal says PM Modi’s G20 visit shows India-South Africa bond; hopes for IIT campus</a><h2>How do you see cooperation in defence?</h2>The defence field is very crucial. It is one of the major elements of our bilateral relationship. However, it depends on how you tackle it. There are so many verticals that we need to look into. There's the training and the joint training, which is going magnificently, and we are working for, even broadening it and widening it. There is the joint production, which is another component, which is very crucial, and there is a lot of potential here, and also the joint maritime cooperation. This is another very important aspect, because, as you see, there are a lot of challenges, maritime challenges, that are affecting not only the defense field, but it's also affecting the economy. So these are so low-hanging fruit, verticals that we can cooperate.Sidhant Sibal: So how do you see a trade trajectory in the relationship? And as part of the trade trajectory, we know that connectivity is another element.&nbsp;<h2>There is focus on the India, Middle East, Europe corridor as well. If Can you give the view from Cairo?</h2>India has a $4 trillion economy; in Egypt, we are a $400 billion economy. So these two great, magnificent economies, the potential for bilateral trade is much more than the current level. &nbsp;We are thrilled to have achieved five billion US dollars in bilateral trade. But $5 billion is not enough. And our two ministers agreed in March, and even again, the foreign ministers agreed to increase this trade to $12 billion in the coming two years. Still, even the $12 billion in my opinion, does not really match the magnitude and the size of the two economies. However, let's take it one step at a time, and this is a very good objective that we can try to achieve. On connectivity. Well, connectivity is a very important aspect in today's geopolitics. The IMEC corridor is an important initiative. However, Egypt is not yet part of this initiative, though we are eager, see it as a positive initiative.&nbsp;&nbsp;We prefer to look at it from another perspective, which is a network, because today's or tomorrow's trade, and it's all about networks. It cannot, you cannot confine yourself to just a corridor. It's much more. The opportunity is much more.IMEC has not been materialised yet because of the very geopolitical turmoil in the Middle East. And so it is better to look at it from a network perspective, so that it incorporates other interlocutors that can open up the world for this corridor and for increasing trade. Africa is a very important component to this and Egypt could be a hub to open the doors to Africa through the African Free Trade Area. Egypt can also contribute to this corridor, or this project by opening up the greater Arab free trade area, because we have an FTA within the Arab countries. We have a bilateral FTA with the European Union. We have a bilateral FTA with the UK. We have a bilateral FTA with Turkey. We have a bilateral FDA with the Mercosur countries. So in fact, Egypt will not only open its markets to 100 million Egyptians, which is also a vast number, but actually the actual number is around 2.5 billion consumers. So actually, we are opening the door. Egypt can really contribute to this project.<h2>How can both countries cooperate in counter terrorism?</h2>The two countries are already collaborating on counterterrorism, because we see eye to eye on this issue, and we have an extended experience in country and terrorism. We have, for instance, the Al Azhar Observatory in Egypt, which has been established for many years, to counter radicalization. You know, counter terrorism is not only by security means and by military means. It needs a whole holistic approach. It includes social, economic as well as security. So we had this experience. We saw a scourge. We faced terrorism, terrorism in Sinai during 2014, 2015, 2016. And we have implemented this holistic approach, and today we see zero terrorism in Egypt. So it needs a holistic approach and a very prudent and wise manner, instead of just focusing on only military and security.<h2>Both Egypt and India, part of the BRICS grouping. You became a member of the BRICS grouping recently. How do you see collaboration in the grouping itself? How do you see the future of the grouping as well?&nbsp;</h2>Egypt has always been, has always had the feeling that it's a natural member of the BRICS and that is why, even before our membership, we have been collaborating with BRICS and we have been supporting BRICS. Collaborating with BRICS. We have been supporting BRICS, it is a platform that is sort of parallel to the NAM. &nbsp;It is a grouping of the South South cooperation. And this is actually in our DNA, our joined DNA, in Egypt and India, because we were at the forefront, as well as other countries, on the forefront, for establishing the non aligned movement. And this, this is the crux of the non-aligned movement, which is the developing countries cooperation. As a member of the BRICS, now we have the same agenda, almost identical agenda as India when it comes to collaboration, because it's all about collaboration. It's an important platform for South South cooperation, and we need to even widen it. We need to deepen it, because there's a difference between widening and deepening cooperation. So we see it as a very important developmental tool for cooperation between southern countries.<h2>Can Egypt help in India's energy security, in facilitating India's energy security?</h2>Certainly, Egypt can be an important component in this, especially when we are speaking about the new generation of energy, which is green ammonia and green hydrogen. This is the new wave of energy that is coming. Egypt can play a part.Agriculture is another sector of cooperation...We have a great interest in the millet that you have here in India, and we are seeking collaboration in that field. I think that you have a great interest in the citrus and the pomegranate and the grapes from Egypt, and you have important technologies for the soil that is facing drought, and this &nbsp;we have a water issue in Egypt. So I think the potential for collaboration in this field is huge. Also in digitalization of the agriculture sector. You have a good industry in this field, you have in the Irrigation Sector.<h2>Why should an Indian investor invest in Egypt?</h2>We have offered India, specific zone in the Suez Canal Zone, and this is a major incentive, because it's where we're going to give India a specific area where you can bring your own investments in various textile, pharmaceuticals, artificial intelligence, green hydrogen pharmaceuticals, any field. So this is a major incentive, because in this area you can open the world. So this is a major thing in our bilateral relation that can give a huge leap and profitability to Indian investors, and give great profitability to Indian investors.<h3>If you can talk about the Gaza conflict. Egypt played a key role in hosting the Sharm El Sheikh summit..</h3>First, when it comes to India, India is an important international player, and they're important, important players in South Asia. So you're a major power in South Asia, of course. So this is where you come in, because you have certain industries and certain assistance that you can provide to the Palestinian people. As we are preparing to host a ministerial conference for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Gaza, we will certainly be looking forward to Indian participation in this conference, where you can provide assistance for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Gaza. Referring to our role in this conflict. Our role has been, has always been. It did not start from the seventh October; It started so many years ago. Ever since the start of the conflict, in general, we have always been taking a very prudent and a very wise position on this very principle.&nbsp;&nbsp;In Egypt, we go by principles. There is a certain DNA for our foreign policy that has been there. By the way, it's not only not contemporary, it has been there for the past 7000 years. So we have been in this part of the world for a very long time, so we saw a lot of changes and this is where our wisdom comes from. The parameters of our foreign policy, and specifically when it comes to the geopolitical region geopolitics, it is based on certain benchmarks. First, it is principles, because principles are simply principles. You cannot change the principles. You cannot be transactional principles. But this is who you are. This is what you represent, and that is why we are considered as a trusted partner by all the different factions and the different parties in this region. The second component is peace, because having been there for the past 7000 years, we came to understand that war does not change anything. The only way for change is to bring peace, to achieve peace, to bring stability. The third principle is prudence. We should be prudent in how we look at, how we tackle the challenges, and certainly, the fourth principle is partnership. So having said that these four principles govern our foreign policy towards international political situations and even regional political situations.&nbsp;&nbsp;We have been approaching this issue from that perspective, we want to achieve peace and we want to achieve stability for all people in the region. Because what we saw during the past two years, people from countries taking camps. Let's not take camps. Let's take the camp of principles. And taking the camp of principles dictates on us, on our conscience, that we need to work towards peace and towards calming the situation, stopping the killing of the people in Gaza. There was a war machine, and there was a killing machine happening in Gaza. I'm glad that the Trump administration, President Trump administration, stepped in so strongly to help the efforts exerted by Egypt and by our brothers in Qatar. Role of the United States is very crucial in guaranteeing the implementation of the agreement achieved in Sharm El Sheikh.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bangladesh-s-former-pm-sheikh-hasina-s-lawyers-sound-alarm-over-manifestly-unfair-trial-1762975950934">Bangladesh’s former PM Sheikh Hasina’s lawyers sound alarm over ‘manifestly unfair’ trial</a><h2>How do you plan to get more Indian tourists? You inaugurated the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)..</h2>I would call the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) as another Pyramid. And it's going to stand there for so many years, so millennia later, they will consider it as another Pyramid. The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is simply a message to humanity, our gift to humanity. It's a message that there is resilience. It's a message that we all should work for humanity. There is no difference at the end of the day, it is our shared prosperity. There's a place for all of us in this and this has been the message of Egypt for so long, for millennia. So this is what really would encourage the Indian tourists to go to see. &nbsp;&nbsp;You Indians are very cultured, so you prefer even to go to see this culture in the historic monuments. So this message of humanity, this message of resilience, this message of hope, would encourage Indians to go to visit the Grand Egyptian Museum, because it represents all of us. Does not belong to Egypt. It belongs to you. It belongs to all, every, everybody. It belongs to humanity. So this is really the importance of this museum. I think the potential for Indian tourists to go to Egypt is huge. We have helped in all the way. We have simplified all the procedures to encourage Indian tourists to go to Egypt. We now have direct flights between India and Egypt. We have put in place a program for E visas for Indians.

Egypt has invited India to establish a presence in its Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE), leveraging free trade agreements with multiple blocs and nations, while aiming to boost bilateral trade to $12 billion within two years.

Egypt's Ambassador to India, Kamel Galal, has emphasised his country's desire to deepen trade, defence, and political relations with India, highlighting the ancient civilizational bonds between the two countries and the "strategic partnership". Speaking to Sidhant Sibal in the WION podcast, Ambassador Galal stated, "Egypt and India have always shared this vision of upholding multilateralism, mutual respect, coexistence, partnership, and collaboration—these form the bedrock of our strategic partnership." Egypt has invited India to establish a presence in its Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE), leveraging free trade agreements with multiple blocs and nations, while aiming to boost bilateral trade to $12 billion within two years. In June 2023, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Cairo, the two countries upgraded their ties to a comprehensive Strategic Partnership, covering defence, commerce, and technology collaboration. Egypt, which has played a key role in the Gaza peace process, hosting the Sharm El Sheikh summit recently, is planning to hold a ministerial conference for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Gaza & is "certainly looking forward to Indian participation in this conference", the ambassador said. The Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit, held on October 13, 2025, in Egypt's Red Sea resort, focused on implementing the US-brokered Gaza ceasefire and reconstruction plan. India was represented by Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh, serving as Prime Minister Narendra Modi's special envoy. He also discussed the Egypt opening Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) and attracting more Indian visitors through simplified visa procedures. The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is the world's largest archaeological museum devoted to one civilization. Covering roughly 500,000 square meters, it showcases over 100,000 artefacts across seven millennia. What is your view about the relationship? Before indulging in answering your question, allow me first of all to express my deepest condolences to all the Indian families, victims in the Delhi blast that happened, our heartfelt condolences to them and our best wishes for all the injured people for a speedy recovery from the repercussions of this blast. Regarding our relations, we need to put it into context. We have a strategic partnership that has been signed ever since June 2023, during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Cairo. We are two great ancient civilisations, and we have solid foundations for our strategic partnership. It has always been there. Our relationship started over 4700 years ago. We both fought for our independence together, shoulder to shoulder. And then again, we were shoulder to shoulder. We have two visionaries, who, by coincidence, also came in the same year, President of Egypt Sisi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, both of whom were elected in 2014 with a great ambition for their nations. They came during an era where the world, in geopolitics, is facing tremendous challenges. However, Egypt and India have always had this vision of preserving multilateral, mutual respect and coexistence, partnership and collaboration, these are the foundations for our strategic partnership. We offer India-specific zones in the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE), opening the world to Indian investments. We are also on the verge of signing an agreement on establishing a joint Chamber of Commerce, which also is another leap in the framework of our bilateral relations. Also Read: South Africa High Commissioner Prof Sooklal says PM Modi’s G20 visit shows India-South Africa bond; hopes for IIT campus How do you see cooperation in defence? The defence field is very crucial. It is one of the major elements of our bilateral relationship. However, it depends on how you tackle it. There are so many verticals that we need to look into. There's the training and the joint training, which is going magnificently, and we are working for, even broadening it and widening it. There is the joint production, which is another component, which is very crucial, and there is a lot of potential here, and also the joint maritime cooperation. This is another very important aspect, because, as you see, there are a lot of challenges, maritime challenges, that are affecting not only the defense field, but it's also affecting the economy. So these are so low-hanging fruit, verticals that we can cooperate. Sidhant Sibal: So how do you see a trade trajectory in the relationship? And as part of the trade trajectory, we know that connectivity is another element. There is focus on the India, Middle East, Europe corridor as well. If Can you give the view from Cairo? India has a $4 trillion economy; in Egypt, we are a $400 billion economy. So these two great, magnificent economies, the potential for bilateral trade is much more than the current level. We are thrilled to have achieved five billion US dollars in bilateral trade. But $5 billion is not enough. And our two ministers agreed in March, and even again, the foreign ministers agreed to increase this trade to $12 billion in the coming two years. Still, even the $12 billion in my opinion, does not really match the magnitude and the size of the two economies. However, let's take it one step at a time, and this is a very good objective that we can try to achieve. On connectivity. Well, connectivity is a very important aspect in today's geopolitics. The IMEC corridor is an important initiative. However, Egypt is not yet part of this initiative, though we are eager, see it as a positive initiative. We prefer to look at it from another perspective, which is a network, because today's or tomorrow's trade, and it's all about networks. It cannot, you cannot confine yourself to just a corridor. It's much more. The opportunity is much more.IMEC has not been materialised yet because of the very geopolitical turmoil in the Middle East. And so it is better to look at it from a network perspective, so that it incorporates other interlocutors that can open up the world for this corridor and for increasing trade. Africa is a very important component to this and Egypt could be a hub to open the doors to Africa through the African Free Trade Area. Egypt can also contribute to this corridor, or this project by opening up the greater Arab free trade area, because we have an FTA within the Arab countries. We have a bilateral FTA with the European Union. We have a bilateral FTA with the UK. We have a bilateral FTA with Turkey. We have a bilateral FDA with the Mercosur countries. So in fact, Egypt will not only open its markets to 100 million Egyptians, which is also a vast number, but actually the actual number is around 2.5 billion consumers. So actually, we are opening the door. Egypt can really contribute to this project. How can both countries cooperate in counter terrorism? The two countries are already collaborating on counterterrorism, because we see eye to eye on this issue, and we have an extended experience in country and terrorism. We have, for instance, the Al Azhar Observatory in Egypt, which has been established for many years, to counter radicalization. You know, counter terrorism is not only by security means and by military means. It needs a whole holistic approach. It includes social, economic as well as security. So we had this experience. We saw a scourge. We faced terrorism, terrorism in Sinai during 2014, 2015, 2016. And we have implemented this holistic approach, and today we see zero terrorism in Egypt. So it needs a holistic approach and a very prudent and wise manner, instead of just focusing on only military and security. Both Egypt and India, part of the BRICS grouping. You became a member of the BRICS grouping recently. How do you see collaboration in the grouping itself? How do you see the future of the grouping as well? Egypt has always been, has always had the feeling that it's a natural member of the BRICS and that is why, even before our membership, we have been collaborating with BRICS and we have been supporting BRICS. Collaborating with BRICS. We have been supporting BRICS, it is a platform that is sort of parallel to the NAM. It is a grouping of the South South cooperation. And this is actually in our DNA, our joined DNA, in Egypt and India, because we were at the forefront, as well as other countries, on the forefront, for establishing the non aligned movement. And this, this is the crux of the non-aligned movement, which is the developing countries cooperation. As a member of the BRICS, now we have the same agenda, almost identical agenda as India when it comes to collaboration, because it's all about collaboration. It's an important platform for South South cooperation, and we need to even widen it. We need to deepen it, because there's a difference between widening and deepening cooperation. So we see it as a very important developmental tool for cooperation between southern countries. Can Egypt help in India's energy security, in facilitating India's energy security? Certainly, Egypt can be an important component in this, especially when we are speaking about the new generation of energy, which is green ammonia and green hydrogen. This is the new wave of energy that is coming. Egypt can play a part.Agriculture is another sector of cooperation... We have a great interest in the millet that you have here in India, and we are seeking collaboration in that field. I think that you have a great interest in the citrus and the pomegranate and the grapes from Egypt, and you have important technologies for the soil that is facing drought, and this we have a water issue in Egypt. So I think the potential for collaboration in this field is huge. Also in digitalization of the agriculture sector. You have a good industry in this field, you have in the Irrigation Sector. Why should an Indian investor invest in Egypt? We have offered India, specific zone in the Suez Canal Zone, and this is a major incentive, because it's where we're going to give India a specific area where you can bring your own investments in various textile, pharmaceuticals, artificial intelligence, green hydrogen pharmaceuticals, any field. So this is a major incentive, because in this area you can open the world. So this is a major thing in our bilateral relation that can give a huge leap and profitability to Indian investors, and give great profitability to Indian investors. If you can talk about the Gaza conflict. Egypt played a key role in hosting the Sharm El Sheikh summit.. First, when it comes to India, India is an important international player, and they're important, important players in South Asia. So you're a major power in South Asia, of course. So this is where you come in, because you have certain industries and certain assistance that you can provide to the Palestinian people. As we are preparing to host a ministerial conference for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Gaza, we will certainly be looking forward to Indian participation in this conference, where you can provide assistance for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Gaza. Referring to our role in this conflict. Our role has been, has always been. It did not start from the seventh October; It started so many years ago. Ever since the start of the conflict, in general, we have always been taking a very prudent and a very wise position on this very principle. In Egypt, we go by principles. There is a certain DNA for our foreign policy that has been there. By the way, it's not only not contemporary, it has been there for the past 7000 years. So we have been in this part of the world for a very long time, so we saw a lot of changes and this is where our wisdom comes from. The parameters of our foreign policy, and specifically when it comes to the geopolitical region geopolitics, it is based on certain benchmarks. First, it is principles, because principles are simply principles. You cannot change the principles. You cannot be transactional principles. But this is who you are. This is what you represent, and that is why we are considered as a trusted partner by all the different factions and the different parties in this region. The second component is peace, because having been there for the past 7000 years, we came to understand that war does not change anything. The only way for change is to bring peace, to achieve peace, to bring stability. The third principle is prudence. We should be prudent in how we look at, how we tackle the challenges, and certainly, the fourth principle is partnership. So having said that these four principles govern our foreign policy towards international political situations and even regional political situations. We have been approaching this issue from that perspective, we want to achieve peace and we want to achieve stability for all people in the region. Because what we saw during the past two years, people from countries taking camps. Let's not take camps. Let's take the camp of principles. And taking the camp of principles dictates on us, on our conscience, that we need to work towards peace and towards calming the situation, stopping the killing of the people in Gaza. There was a war machine, and there was a killing machine happening in Gaza. I'm glad that the Trump administration, President Trump administration, stepped in so strongly to help the efforts exerted by Egypt and by our brothers in Qatar. Role of the United States is very crucial in guaranteeing the implementation of the agreement achieved in Sharm El Sheikh. Also Read: Bangladesh’s former PM Sheikh Hasina’s lawyers sound alarm over ‘manifestly unfair’ trial How do you plan to get more Indian tourists? You inaugurated the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM).. I would call the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) as another Pyramid. And it's going to stand there for so many years, so millennia later, they will consider it as another Pyramid. The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is simply a message to humanity, our gift to humanity. It's a message that there is resilience. It's a message that we all should work for humanity. There is no difference at the end of the day, it is our shared prosperity. There's a place for all of us in this and this has been the message of Egypt for so long, for millennia. So this is what really would encourage the Indian tourists to go to see. You Indians are very cultured, so you prefer even to go to see this culture in the historic monuments. So this message of humanity, this message of resilience, this message of hope, would encourage Indians to go to visit the Grand Egyptian Museum, because it represents all of us. Does not belong to Egypt. It belongs to you. It belongs to all, every, everybody. It belongs to humanity. So this is really the importance of this museum. I think the potential for Indian tourists to go to Egypt is huge. We have helped in all the way. We have simplified all the procedures to encourage Indian tourists to go to Egypt. We now have direct flights between India and Egypt. We have put in place a program for E visas for Indians.

Egypt has invited India to establish a presence in its Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE), leveraging free trade agreements with multiple blocs and nations, while aiming to boost bilateral trade to $12 billion within two years.

Look to strengthen trade, defence, and political ties with India, says Egypt Ambassador Kamel Galal

Egypt’s Ambassador to India, Kamel Galal, has emphasized his country’s desire to deepen trade, defence, and political relations with India, highlighting the ancient civilizational bonds between the two countries and the “strategic partnership”. Speaking to Sidhant Sibal in the WION podcast, Ambassador Galal stated, “Egypt and India have always shared this vision of upholding multilateralism, mutual respect, coexistence, partnership, and collaboration—these form the bedrock of our strategic partnership.”&nbsp;Egypt has invited India to establish a presence in its Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE), leveraging free trade agreements with multiple blocs and nations, while aiming to boost bilateral trade to $12 billion within two years. In June 2023, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Cairo, the two countries upgraded their ties to a comprehensive Strategic Partnership, covering defence, commerce, and technology collaboration.&nbsp;Egypt, which has played a key role in the Gaza peace process, hosting the Sharm El Sheikh summit recently, is planning to hold a ministerial conference for the rehabilitation reconstruction of Gaza and is “certainly looking forward to Indian participation in this conference”, the ambassador said. The Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit, held on October 13, 2025, in Egypt’s Red Sea resort, focused on implementing the US-brokered Gaza ceasefire and reconstruction plan. India was represented by Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh, serving as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s special envoy.&nbsp;He also discussed Egypt opening the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) and attracting more Indian visitors through simplified visa procedures. The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is the world's largest archaeological museum devoted to one civilization. Covering roughly 500,000 square metres, it showcases over 100,000 artefacts across seven millennia.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: What is your view about the relationship?Kamel Galal: Before indulging in answering your question, allow me first of all to express my deepest condolences to all the Indian families, victims in the Delhi blast that happened, our heartfelt condolences to them and our best wishes for all the injured people for a speedy recovery from the repercussions of this blast. Regarding our relations, we need to put it into context. We have a strategic partnership that has been signed ever since June 2023 during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Cairo. We are two great ancient civilizations, we have solid foundations for our strategic partnership. It has always been there. Our relationship started over 4700 years ago. We both fought for our independence together, shoulder to shoulder. And then again, we were shoulder to shoulder. We have two visionaries, who, by coincidence, also came in the same year, President of Egypt Sisi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, both of whom were elected in 2014 with a great ambition for the nations. They came during an era where the world, in geopolitics, is facing tremendous challenges. However, Egypt and India have always had this vision of preserving multilateral, mutual respects and coexistence, partnership and collaboration, these are the foundations for our strategic partnership. We offer India specific zones in the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE), opening the world to Indian investments. We are also on the verge of signing an agreement on establishing a joint Chamber of Commerce, which also is another leap in the framework of our bilateral relations.&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: How do you see cooperation in defence?Kamel Galal: The defence field is very crucial. It is one of the major elements of our bilateral relationship. So however, it depends on how you tackle it. There's so many verticals that we need to look into. There's the training and the joint training, which is going magnificent, and we are working for, even broadening it and widening it. There is the joint production, which is another component, which is very crucial, and there is a lot of potential here, and also the joint maritime cooperation. This is another very important aspect, because, as you see, there's a lot of challenges, maritime challenges, that are affecting not only the defence field, but it's also affecting the economy. So these are so low hanging fruit, verticals that we can cooperate.&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: So how do you see a trade trajectory in the relationship? And as part of the trade trajectory, we know that connectivity is another element. There is focus on the India, Middle East, Europe corridor as well. If you can give the view from Cairo?Kamel Galal: India has a $4 trillion economy, in Egypt, we are a $400 billion economy. So these two great, magnificent economies, the potential for bilateral trade is much more than the current level. We are thrilled to have achieved five billion US dollars in bilateral trade. But $5 billion is not enough. And our two ministers agreed in March, and even again, the foreign ministers agreed to increase this trade to $12 billion in the coming two years. Still, even the $12 billion in my opinion, does not really match the magnitude and the size of the two economies. However, let's take it one step at a time, and this is a very good objective that we can try to achieve. On connectivity. Well, connectivity is a very important aspect in today's geopolitics. The IMEC corridor is an important initiative. However, Egypt is not yet part of this initiative, though we are eager, see it as a positive initiative. We prefer to look at it from another perspective, which is a network, because today's or tomorrow's trade, and it's all about networks. It cannot, you cannot confine yourself to just a corridor. It's much more. The opportunity is much more. IMEC has not been materialised yet because of the very geopolitical turmoil in the Middle East. And so it is better to look at it from a network perspective, so that it incorporates other interlocutors that can open up the world for this corridor and for increasing trade. Africa is a very important component to this and Egypt could be a hub to open the doors to Africa through the African Free Trade Area. Egypt can also contribute to this corridor, or this project by opening up the greater Arab free trade area, because we have an FTA within the Arab countries. We have a bilateral FTA with the European Union. We have a bilateral FTA with the UK. We have a bilateral FTA with Turkey. We have a bilateral FDA with the Mercosur countries. So in fact, Egypt will not only open its markets to 100 million Egyptians, which is also a vast number, but actually the actual number is around 2.5 billion consumers. So actually, we are opening the door. Egypt can really contribute to this project.&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: How can both countries cooperate in counter terrorism?Kamel Galal: The two countries are already collaborating on counterterrorism, because we see eye to eye on this issue, and we have an extended experience in country and terrorism. We have, for instance, the Al Azhar Observatory in Egypt, which has been established for many years, to counter radicalization. You know, counter terrorism is not only by security means and by military means. It needs a whole holistic approach. It includes social, economic as well as security. So we had this experience. We saw a scourge. We faced terrorism, terrorism in Sinai during 2014, 2015, 2016. And we have implemented this holistic approach, and today we see zero terrorism in Egypt. So it needs a holistic approach and a very prudent and wise manner, instead of just focusing on only military and security.&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: Both Egypt and India, part of the BRICS grouping. You became a member of the BRICS grouping recently. How do you see collaboration in the grouping itself? How do you see the future of the grouping as well?&nbsp;Kamel Galal: Egypt has always been, has always had the feeling that it's a natural member of the BRICS and that is why, even before our membership, we have been collaborating with BRICS and we have been supporting BRICS. Collaborating with BRICS. We have been supporting BRICS, it is a platform that is sort of parallel to the NAM.&nbsp; It is a grouping of the South South cooperation. And this is actually in our DNA, our joint DNA, in Egypt and India, because we were at the forefront, as well as other countries, on the forefront, for establishing the non-aligned movement. And this, this is the crux of the non-aligned movement, which is the developing countries cooperation. As a member of the BRICS, now we have the same agenda, almost identical agenda as India when it comes to collaboration, because it's all about collaboration. It's an important platform for South South cooperation, and we need to even widen it. We need to deepen it, because there's a difference between widening and deepening cooperation. So we see it as a very important developmental tool for cooperation between southern countries.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: Can Egypt help in India's energy security, in facilitating India's energy security?Kamel Galal:&nbsp;Certainly, Egypt can be an important component in this, especially when we are speaking about the new generation of energy, which is green ammonia and green hydrogen. This is the new wave of energy that is coming. Egypt can play a part. Sidhant Sibal: Agriculture is another sector of cooperation...Kamel Galal:&nbsp;We have a great interest in the millet that you have here in India, and we are seeking collaboration in that field. I think that you have a great interest in the citrus and the pomegranate and the grapes from Egypt, and you have important technologies for the soil that is facing drought, and this we have a water issue in Egypt. So I think the potential for collaboration in this field is huge. Also in digitalization of the agriculture sector. You have a good industry in this field, you have in the Irrigation Sector.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: Why should an Indian investor invest in Egypt?Kamel Galal: We have offered India, specific zone in the Suez Canal Zone, and this is a major incentive, because it's where we're going to give India a specific area where you can bring your own investments in various textile, pharmaceuticals, artificial intelligence, green hydrogen pharmaceuticals, any field. So this is a major incentive, because in this area you can open the world. So this is a major thing in our bilateral relation that can give a huge leap and profitability to Indian investors, and give great profitability to Indian investors.&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: If you can talk about the Gaza conflict. Egypt played a key role in hosting the Sharm El Sheikh summit..Kamel Galal: First, when it comes to India, India is an important international player, and they're important, important players in South Asia. So you're a major power in South Asia, of course. So this is where you come in, because you have certain industries and certain assistance that you can provide to the Palestinian people. As we are preparing to host a ministerial conference for the rehabilitation reconstruction of Gaza, we will be certainly looking forward to Indian participation in this conference where you can provide assistance for the rehabilitation reconstruction of Gaza. Referring to our role in this conflict. Our role has been, has always been, It did not start from the seventh October, It started so many years ago. Ever since the start of the conflict, in general, we have always been taking a very prudent and a very wise position on this very principle. In Egypt, we go by principles. There is a certain DNA for our foreign policy that has been there. By the way, it's not only not contemporary, it has been there for the past 7000 years. So we have been in this part of the world for a very long time, so we saw a lot of changes and this is where our wisdom comes from. The parameters of our foreign policy, and specifically when it comes to the geopolitical region geopolitics, it is based on certain benchmarks. First, it is principles, because principles are simply principles. You cannot you cannot change the principles. You cannot be transactional principles. But this is who you are. This is what you represent, and that is why we are considered as a trusted partner by all the different factions and the different parties in this region. The second component is peace, because having been there for the past 7000 years, we came to understand that war does not change anything. The only way for change is to bring peace, to achieve peace, to bring stability. The third principle is prudence. We should be prudent in how we look at, how we tackle the challenges, and certainly, the fourth principle is partnership. So having said that these four principles govern our foreign policy towards international political situations and even regional political situations. We have been approaching this issue from that perspective, we want to achieve peace and we want to achieve stability for all people in the region. Because what we saw during the past two years, people from countries taking camps. Let's not take camps. Let's take the camp of principles. And taking the camp of principles dictates on us, on our conscience, that we need to work towards peace and towards calming the situation, stopping the killing of the people in Gaza. There was a war machine, and there was a killing machine happening in Gaza. I'm glad that the Trump administration, President Trump administration, stepped in so strongly to help the efforts exerted by Egypt and by our brothers in Qatar. Role of the United States is very crucial in guaranteeing the implementation of the agreement achieved in Sharm El Sheikh.&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: How do you plan to get more Indian&nbsp;tourists? You inaugurated the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)..Kamel Galal: I would call the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) as another Pyramid. And it's going to stand there for so many years, so millennia later, they will consider it as another Pyramid. The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is simply a message to humanity, our gift to humanity. It's a message that there is resilience. It's a message that we all should work for humanity. There is no difference at the end of the day, it is our shared prosperity. There's a place for all of us in this and this has been the message of Egypt for so long, for millennia. So this is what really would encourage the Indian tourists to go to see.&nbsp; You Indians are very cultured, so you prefer even to go to see this culture in the historic monuments. So this message of humanity, this message of resilience, this message of hope, would encourage Indians to go to visit the Grand Egyptian Museum, because it represents all of us. Does not belong to Egypt. It belongs to you. It belongs to all, every, everybody. It belongs to humanity. So this is really the importance of this museum. I think the potential for Indian tourists to go to Egypt is huge. We have helped in all the way. We have simplified all the procedures to encourage Indian tourists to go to Egypt. We now have direct flights between India and Egypt. We have put in place a program for E visas for Indians.

Egypt’s Ambassador to India, Kamel Galal, has emphasized his country’s desire to deepen trade, defence, and political relations with India, highlighting the ancient civilizational bonds between the two countries and the “strategic partnership”. Speaking to Sidhant Sibal in the WION podcast, Ambassador Galal stated, “Egypt and India have always shared this vision of upholding multilateralism, mutual respect, coexistence, partnership, and collaboration—these form the bedrock of our strategic partnership.” Egypt has invited India to establish a presence in its Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE), leveraging free trade agreements with multiple blocs and nations, while aiming to boost bilateral trade to $12 billion within two years. In June 2023, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Cairo, the two countries upgraded their ties to a comprehensive Strategic Partnership, covering defence, commerce, and technology collaboration. Egypt, which has played a key role in the Gaza peace process, hosting the Sharm El Sheikh summit recently, is planning to hold a ministerial conference for the rehabilitation reconstruction of Gaza and is “certainly looking forward to Indian participation in this conference”, the ambassador said. The Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit, held on October 13, 2025, in Egypt’s Red Sea resort, focused on implementing the US-brokered Gaza ceasefire and reconstruction plan. India was represented by Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh, serving as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s special envoy. He also discussed Egypt opening the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) and attracting more Indian visitors through simplified visa procedures. The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is the world's largest archaeological museum devoted to one civilization. Covering roughly 500,000 square metres, it showcases over 100,000 artefacts across seven millennia. Sidhant Sibal: What is your view about the relationship? Kamel Galal: Before indulging in answering your question, allow me first of all to express my deepest condolences to all the Indian families, victims in the Delhi blast that happened, our heartfelt condolences to them and our best wishes for all the injured people for a speedy recovery from the repercussions of this blast. Regarding our relations, we need to put it into context. We have a strategic partnership that has been signed ever since June 2023 during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Cairo. We are two great ancient civilizations, we have solid foundations for our strategic partnership. It has always been there. Our relationship started over 4700 years ago. We both fought for our independence together, shoulder to shoulder. And then again, we were shoulder to shoulder. We have two visionaries, who, by coincidence, also came in the same year, President of Egypt Sisi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, both of whom were elected in 2014 with a great ambition for the nations. They came during an era where the world, in geopolitics, is facing tremendous challenges. However, Egypt and India have always had this vision of preserving multilateral, mutual respects and coexistence, partnership and collaboration, these are the foundations for our strategic partnership. We offer India specific zones in the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE), opening the world to Indian investments. We are also on the verge of signing an agreement on establishing a joint Chamber of Commerce, which also is another leap in the framework of our bilateral relations. Sidhant Sibal: How do you see cooperation in defence? Kamel Galal: The defence field is very crucial. It is one of the major elements of our bilateral relationship. So however, it depends on how you tackle it. There's so many verticals that we need to look into. There's the training and the joint training, which is going magnificent, and we are working for, even broadening it and widening it. There is the joint production, which is another component, which is very crucial, and there is a lot of potential here, and also the joint maritime cooperation. This is another very important aspect, because, as you see, there's a lot of challenges, maritime challenges, that are affecting not only the defence field, but it's also affecting the economy. So these are so low hanging fruit, verticals that we can cooperate. Sidhant Sibal: So how do you see a trade trajectory in the relationship? And as part of the trade trajectory, we know that connectivity is another element. There is focus on the India, Middle East, Europe corridor as well. If you can give the view from Cairo? Kamel Galal: India has a $4 trillion economy, in Egypt, we are a $400 billion economy. So these two great, magnificent economies, the potential for bilateral trade is much more than the current level. We are thrilled to have achieved five billion US dollars in bilateral trade. But $5 billion is not enough. And our two ministers agreed in March, and even again, the foreign ministers agreed to increase this trade to $12 billion in the coming two years. Still, even the $12 billion in my opinion, does not really match the magnitude and the size of the two economies. However, let's take it one step at a time, and this is a very good objective that we can try to achieve. On connectivity. Well, connectivity is a very important aspect in today's geopolitics. The IMEC corridor is an important initiative. However, Egypt is not yet part of this initiative, though we are eager, see it as a positive initiative. We prefer to look at it from another perspective, which is a network, because today's or tomorrow's trade, and it's all about networks. It cannot, you cannot confine yourself to just a corridor. It's much more. The opportunity is much more. IMEC has not been materialised yet because of the very geopolitical turmoil in the Middle East. And so it is better to look at it from a network perspective, so that it incorporates other interlocutors that can open up the world for this corridor and for increasing trade. Africa is a very important component to this and Egypt could be a hub to open the doors to Africa through the African Free Trade Area. Egypt can also contribute to this corridor, or this project by opening up the greater Arab free trade area, because we have an FTA within the Arab countries. We have a bilateral FTA with the European Union. We have a bilateral FTA with the UK. We have a bilateral FTA with Turkey. We have a bilateral FDA with the Mercosur countries. So in fact, Egypt will not only open its markets to 100 million Egyptians, which is also a vast number, but actually the actual number is around 2.5 billion consumers. So actually, we are opening the door. Egypt can really contribute to this project. Sidhant Sibal: How can both countries cooperate in counter terrorism? Kamel Galal: The two countries are already collaborating on counterterrorism, because we see eye to eye on this issue, and we have an extended experience in country and terrorism. We have, for instance, the Al Azhar Observatory in Egypt, which has been established for many years, to counter radicalization. You know, counter terrorism is not only by security means and by military means. It needs a whole holistic approach. It includes social, economic as well as security. So we had this experience. We saw a scourge. We faced terrorism, terrorism in Sinai during 2014, 2015, 2016. And we have implemented this holistic approach, and today we see zero terrorism in Egypt. So it needs a holistic approach and a very prudent and wise manner, instead of just focusing on only military and security. Sidhant Sibal: Both Egypt and India, part of the BRICS grouping. You became a member of the BRICS grouping recently. How do you see collaboration in the grouping itself? How do you see the future of the grouping as well? Kamel Galal: Egypt has always been, has always had the feeling that it's a natural member of the BRICS and that is why, even before our membership, we have been collaborating with BRICS and we have been supporting BRICS. Collaborating with BRICS. We have been supporting BRICS, it is a platform that is sort of parallel to the NAM. It is a grouping of the South South cooperation. And this is actually in our DNA, our joint DNA, in Egypt and India, because we were at the forefront, as well as other countries, on the forefront, for establishing the non-aligned movement. And this, this is the crux of the non-aligned movement, which is the developing countries cooperation. As a member of the BRICS, now we have the same agenda, almost identical agenda as India when it comes to collaboration, because it's all about collaboration. It's an important platform for South South cooperation, and we need to even widen it. We need to deepen it, because there's a difference between widening and deepening cooperation. So we see it as a very important developmental tool for cooperation between southern countries. Sidhant Sibal: Can Egypt help in India's energy security, in facilitating India's energy security? Kamel Galal: Certainly, Egypt can be an important component in this, especially when we are speaking about the new generation of energy, which is green ammonia and green hydrogen. This is the new wave of energy that is coming. Egypt can play a part. Sidhant Sibal: Agriculture is another sector of cooperation... Kamel Galal: We have a great interest in the millet that you have here in India, and we are seeking collaboration in that field. I think that you have a great interest in the citrus and the pomegranate and the grapes from Egypt, and you have important technologies for the soil that is facing drought, and this we have a water issue in Egypt. So I think the potential for collaboration in this field is huge. Also in digitalization of the agriculture sector. You have a good industry in this field, you have in the Irrigation Sector. Sidhant Sibal: Why should an Indian investor invest in Egypt? Kamel Galal: We have offered India, specific zone in the Suez Canal Zone, and this is a major incentive, because it's where we're going to give India a specific area where you can bring your own investments in various textile, pharmaceuticals, artificial intelligence, green hydrogen pharmaceuticals, any field. So this is a major incentive, because in this area you can open the world. So this is a major thing in our bilateral relation that can give a huge leap and profitability to Indian investors, and give great profitability to Indian investors. Sidhant Sibal: If you can talk about the Gaza conflict. Egypt played a key role in hosting the Sharm El Sheikh summit.. Kamel Galal: First, when it comes to India, India is an important international player, and they're important, important players in South Asia. So you're a major power in South Asia, of course. So this is where you come in, because you have certain industries and certain assistance that you can provide to the Palestinian people. As we are preparing to host a ministerial conference for the rehabilitation reconstruction of Gaza, we will be certainly looking forward to Indian participation in this conference where you can provide assistance for the rehabilitation reconstruction of Gaza. Referring to our role in this conflict. Our role has been, has always been, It did not start from the seventh October, It started so many years ago. Ever since the start of the conflict, in general, we have always been taking a very prudent and a very wise position on this very principle. In Egypt, we go by principles. There is a certain DNA for our foreign policy that has been there. By the way, it's not only not contemporary, it has been there for the past 7000 years. So we have been in this part of the world for a very long time, so we saw a lot of changes and this is where our wisdom comes from. The parameters of our foreign policy, and specifically when it comes to the geopolitical region geopolitics, it is based on certain benchmarks. First, it is principles, because principles are simply principles. You cannot you cannot change the principles. You cannot be transactional principles. But this is who you are. This is what you represent, and that is why we are considered as a trusted partner by all the different factions and the different parties in this region. The second component is peace, because having been there for the past 7000 years, we came to understand that war does not change anything. The only way for change is to bring peace, to achieve peace, to bring stability. The third principle is prudence. We should be prudent in how we look at, how we tackle the challenges, and certainly, the fourth principle is partnership. So having said that these four principles govern our foreign policy towards international political situations and even regional political situations. We have been approaching this issue from that perspective, we want to achieve peace and we want to achieve stability for all people in the region. Because what we saw during the past two years, people from countries taking camps. Let's not take camps. Let's take the camp of principles. And taking the camp of principles dictates on us, on our conscience, that we need to work towards peace and towards calming the situation, stopping the killing of the people in Gaza. There was a war machine, and there was a killing machine happening in Gaza. I'm glad that the Trump administration, President Trump administration, stepped in so strongly to help the efforts exerted by Egypt and by our brothers in Qatar. Role of the United States is very crucial in guaranteeing the implementation of the agreement achieved in Sharm El Sheikh. Sidhant Sibal: How do you plan to get more Indian tourists? You inaugurated the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM).. Kamel Galal: I would call the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) as another Pyramid. And it's going to stand there for so many years, so millennia later, they will consider it as another Pyramid. The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is simply a message to humanity, our gift to humanity. It's a message that there is resilience. It's a message that we all should work for humanity. There is no difference at the end of the day, it is our shared prosperity. There's a place for all of us in this and this has been the message of Egypt for so long, for millennia. So this is what really would encourage the Indian tourists to go to see. You Indians are very cultured, so you prefer even to go to see this culture in the historic monuments. So this message of humanity, this message of resilience, this message of hope, would encourage Indians to go to visit the Grand Egyptian Museum, because it represents all of us. Does not belong to Egypt. It belongs to you. It belongs to all, every, everybody. It belongs to humanity. So this is really the importance of this museum. I think the potential for Indian tourists to go to Egypt is huge. We have helped in all the way. We have simplified all the procedures to encourage Indian tourists to go to Egypt. We now have direct flights between India and Egypt. We have put in place a program for E visas for Indians.

Look to strengthen trade, defence, political ties with India, says Egypt Ambassador Kamel Galal

Egypt’s Foreign Minister Dr Badr Abdelatty, in an exclusive interview with WION, highlighted the deepening of Egypt-India relations following discussions with India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar. Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, he said, “ we discussed a lot of issues of our mutual interest..our political relationship is more than excellent." &nbsp;Both nations agreed to intensify high-level visits, with Abdelatty hoping Jaishankar would visit Egypt in early 2026. Emphasizing economic ties, he urged, “ we need hundreds of companies from India to do business in Egypt in light of the very conducive environment" as he emphasised on&nbsp;cooperation in AI, trade, and counterterrorism. On Gaza, Abdelatty welcomed India's attendance at the historic Sharm El-Sheikh summit, attended by global leaders to 'commemorate the ending of war'. He stressed the need for a UNSC resolution for an international stabilization force and support for Palestinian security to govern Gaza.&nbsp;Abdelatty was in Delhi for the inaugural India - Egypt Strategic Dialogue with EAM Dr S Jaishankar.&nbsp;<h2>Excerpts from the full interview:</h2>Sidhant Sibal: How do you see India, Egypt ties? &amp; This being the first strategic dialogue? Dr Badr Abdelatty:&nbsp;I'm extremely happy and honored to be in this great country, India, and it's indeed the first strategic round of dialog on the ministerial level. I conducted a very fruitful discussion on thursday with my dear friend and dear brother, the foreign minister, Dr S Jaishankar. We have an agreement signed in 2023 to elevate our relationship to the strategic partnership agreed by President Sisi and Prime Minister Modi. And now we are implementing what was agreed upon. So we discussed a lot of issues of our mutual interest, above all, of course, the bilateral relations between the two countries, how to reinvigorate, and how to further deepen and enhance our cooperation.&nbsp;Our political relationship is more than excellent.&nbsp;Exchange of visits. President Sisi came here, Prime Minister Modi visited Egypt, and we received the Minister of Defense of India and a lot of Indian delegations. Last one was in Egypt just a few weeks ago, the parliamentary delegations and I am here&nbsp;now. So we agreed to intensify our exchange of visits on the highest level. But the most important and urgent issue here is how to reinvigorate our economic-trade-investment cooperation between Egypt and India. We discuss it in detail, and we have a lot of around 55 Indian companies investing in Egypt, doing business in Egypt, but we need hundreds of companies from India to do business in Egypt in light of the very conducive environment.&nbsp;We talked about traditional sectors such as chemicals, fertilizers, pharmaceuticals,food security, automotive industry and manufacturing localization, but also we have to explore more corporations, areas of cooperation in non-traditional sectors, including digitalization, application of artificial intelligence, industry 4.0. Other than this, renewable energy, clean energy, production of green ammonia and green hydrogen. So this was part of our discussions. In addition to that, we spoke about cooperation in other areas, like cultural exchange, like defense cooperation, especially in training capacity building. And of course, we spoke about a lot of issues, international and regional issues of mutual concern, including Gaza, Sudan, Libya, Syria, Lebanon, and also the situation here in South Asia and in your neighborhood. So it was a very fruitful discussion. And&nbsp;I'm expecting my dear friend, the foreign minister of India, to come to Egypt in the first half of next year to continue our dialogue.&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal:&nbsp;Egypt played a key role in the Gaza peace process , &amp; hosted the summit. How do you see the way forward? Dr Badr Abdelatty:&nbsp;Well, first of all, it was a historical moment, the event in Egypt, the whole world was present. President Trump, leaders of European countries, Latin America, Asian countries, Arab and the Muslim countries. It was a momentous event, commemorating the ending of the war and the four leaders of Egypt, Qatar, United States and Turkey, signed a document to usher in the ending of the war. The way forward is as follows. We have to start as soon as possible, discussions, negotiations about phase two and its implementations.&nbsp;We have to go quickly to the Security Council to issue a new resolution to endorse and to identify the mandate of the International stabilization force, ISF, which was stipulated in Trump peace plan, and to identify the mission, the mandate and the formulation in order to be deployed, to monitor the implementation of the agreement and that the two sides are honoring their commitments.&nbsp;So this is very, very important. We have to finalize discussions on issues such as the security arrangement, which will be on the hand of the Palestinian policeman, and with the support of the ISF, as well as the issue of governance, who will govern Gaza. And as you know, we have proposed before the administrative Palestinian committee of 15 members. We have agreement on that among Palestinian factions, and they are all technocrats from Gaza. They will run Gaza for a transitional period till the Palestinian Authority will be deployed to ensure the connectivity between Gaza and West Bank, the two regions for the future Palestinian state. And also,&nbsp;don't forget the fact that the board of Peace is important also to support the Palestinian security apparatus, to support the Palestinian Administrative Committee, which will take care of the daily life of the people, providing basic services for the people. So let's work on that, and this is what we are pushing for.&nbsp; Sidhant Sibal: - Terrorism is a major scourge . You were amongst the first countries to condemn the Pahalgam terror attack. How do you see India Egypt counter terror cooperation? Dr Badr Abdelatty: We are in the forefront in fighting terrorism, because Egypt was the most affected country in the world due to terrorism. We have a very, very successful story, and we are standing ready for our friends, including India to see this model which is based on holistic approach, focusing not only on security approach, but also with the socio-economic approach in order to deal with the root causes, creating jobs, empowering young people, and also the most important issue here is fighting extremist ideology through training of young preachers, young Imams and the most notable Sunni institution in the world, Al-Azhar Sharif is a key element in fighting extremist ideology. Al-Azhar Sharif stands ready to provide training to young preachers, and we have a very successful model called Azhar observatory.&nbsp;And this observatory is very important, where we have around 200 young men and women. They have knowledge on Islam and they have linguistic skills of at least 12 foreign languages, and they are surfing the internet, communicating with young people from all over the world, telling them, correcting their ideas about Islam- Islam of moderation, of tolerance, of coexistence, and not those who been hijacked by a bunch of criminals, terrorist groups.&nbsp;So this is very important, and we are cooperating with India on that. My only message to everybody is that it's a big mistake to link this ugly phenomenon called the terrorism with any religion or culture or civilization or specific people. This is a global phenomenon, and we have to work together in order to fight it, no single country can fight this global phenomenon alone. That's why we have to work together. And we are in the forefront in fighting terrorism, and we have an excellent, successful story, and we are standing ready to share it with everybody, including our friends here.&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: And India's presence at the Sharm El Sheikh peace summit?Dr Badr Abdelatty: We had extended an invitation to India, and we've been happy that India was participating, because India is not only a regional power. It's a global power. And of course, their involvement is very important, and&nbsp;we need now to work more and more with India, especially with regard to providing food support to the people of Gaza, especially medical equipments, medical treatment.&nbsp;And we have discussed this with our Indian friends, with my dear friend, the foreign minister of India, Dr S Jaishankar.&nbsp;

Egypt FM Dr. Badr Abdelatty, in Delhi for the India-Egypt Strategic Dialogue, praised strong ties with India, urging more Indian businesses in Egypt. He discussed cooperation in AI, trade, and counterterrorism, and backed India's role in Gaza peace efforts at the Sharm El-Sheikh summit.

Egypt’s Foreign Minister Dr Badr Abdelatty, in an exclusive interview with WION, highlighted the deepening of Egypt-India relations following discussions with India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar. Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, he said, “ we discussed a lot of issues of our mutual interest..our political relationship is more than excellent." Both nations agreed to intensify high-level visits, with Abdelatty hoping Jaishankar would visit Egypt in early 2026. Emphasizing economic ties, he urged, “ we need hundreds of companies from India to do business in Egypt in light of the very conducive environment" as he emphasised on cooperation in AI, trade, and counterterrorism. On Gaza, Abdelatty welcomed India's attendance at the historic Sharm El-Sheikh summit, attended by global leaders to 'commemorate the ending of war'. He stressed the need for a UNSC resolution for an international stabilization force and support for Palestinian security to govern Gaza. Abdelatty was in Delhi for the inaugural India - Egypt Strategic Dialogue with EAM Dr S Jaishankar. Excerpts from the full interview: Sidhant Sibal: How do you see India, Egypt ties? & This being the first strategic dialogue? Dr Badr Abdelatty: I'm extremely happy and honored to be in this great country, India, and it's indeed the first strategic round of dialog on the ministerial level. I conducted a very fruitful discussion on thursday with my dear friend and dear brother, the foreign minister, Dr S Jaishankar. We have an agreement signed in 2023 to elevate our relationship to the strategic partnership agreed by President Sisi and Prime Minister Modi. And now we are implementing what was agreed upon. So we discussed a lot of issues of our mutual interest, above all, of course, the bilateral relations between the two countries, how to reinvigorate, and how to further deepen and enhance our cooperation. Our political relationship is more than excellent. Exchange of visits. President Sisi came here, Prime Minister Modi visited Egypt, and we received the Minister of Defense of India and a lot of Indian delegations. Last one was in Egypt just a few weeks ago, the parliamentary delegations and I am here now. So we agreed to intensify our exchange of visits on the highest level. But the most important and urgent issue here is how to reinvigorate our economic-trade-investment cooperation between Egypt and India. We discuss it in detail, and we have a lot of around 55 Indian companies investing in Egypt, doing business in Egypt, but we need hundreds of companies from India to do business in Egypt in light of the very conducive environment. We talked about traditional sectors such as chemicals, fertilizers, pharmaceuticals,food security, automotive industry and manufacturing localization, but also we have to explore more corporations, areas of cooperation in non-traditional sectors, including digitalization, application of artificial intelligence, industry 4.0. Other than this, renewable energy, clean energy, production of green ammonia and green hydrogen. So this was part of our discussions. In addition to that, we spoke about cooperation in other areas, like cultural exchange, like defense cooperation, especially in training capacity building. And of course, we spoke about a lot of issues, international and regional issues of mutual concern, including Gaza, Sudan, Libya, Syria, Lebanon, and also the situation here in South Asia and in your neighborhood. So it was a very fruitful discussion. And I'm expecting my dear friend, the foreign minister of India, to come to Egypt in the first half of next year to continue our dialogue. Sidhant Sibal: Egypt played a key role in the Gaza peace process , & hosted the summit. How do you see the way forward? Dr Badr Abdelatty: Well, first of all, it was a historical moment, the event in Egypt, the whole world was present. President Trump, leaders of European countries, Latin America, Asian countries, Arab and the Muslim countries. It was a momentous event, commemorating the ending of the war and the four leaders of Egypt, Qatar, United States and Turkey, signed a document to usher in the ending of the war. The way forward is as follows. We have to start as soon as possible, discussions, negotiations about phase two and its implementations. We have to go quickly to the Security Council to issue a new resolution to endorse and to identify the mandate of the International stabilization force, ISF, which was stipulated in Trump peace plan, and to identify the mission, the mandate and the formulation in order to be deployed, to monitor the implementation of the agreement and that the two sides are honoring their commitments. So this is very, very important. We have to finalize discussions on issues such as the security arrangement, which will be on the hand of the Palestinian policeman, and with the support of the ISF, as well as the issue of governance, who will govern Gaza. And as you know, we have proposed before the administrative Palestinian committee of 15 members. We have agreement on that among Palestinian factions, and they are all technocrats from Gaza. They will run Gaza for a transitional period till the Palestinian Authority will be deployed to ensure the connectivity between Gaza and West Bank, the two regions for the future Palestinian state. And also, don't forget the fact that the board of Peace is important also to support the Palestinian security apparatus, to support the Palestinian Administrative Committee, which will take care of the daily life of the people, providing basic services for the people. So let's work on that, and this is what we are pushing for. Sidhant Sibal: - Terrorism is a major scourge . You were amongst the first countries to condemn the Pahalgam terror attack. How do you see India Egypt counter terror cooperation? Dr Badr Abdelatty: We are in the forefront in fighting terrorism, because Egypt was the most affected country in the world due to terrorism. We have a very, very successful story, and we are standing ready for our friends, including India to see this model which is based on holistic approach, focusing not only on security approach, but also with the socio-economic approach in order to deal with the root causes, creating jobs, empowering young people, and also the most important issue here is fighting extremist ideology through training of young preachers, young Imams and the most notable Sunni institution in the world, Al-Azhar Sharif is a key element in fighting extremist ideology. Al-Azhar Sharif stands ready to provide training to young preachers, and we have a very successful model called Azhar observatory. And this observatory is very important, where we have around 200 young men and women. They have knowledge on Islam and they have linguistic skills of at least 12 foreign languages, and they are surfing the internet, communicating with young people from all over the world, telling them, correcting their ideas about Islam- Islam of moderation, of tolerance, of coexistence, and not those who been hijacked by a bunch of criminals, terrorist groups. So this is very important, and we are cooperating with India on that. My only message to everybody is that it's a big mistake to link this ugly phenomenon called the terrorism with any religion or culture or civilization or specific people. This is a global phenomenon, and we have to work together in order to fight it, no single country can fight this global phenomenon alone. That's why we have to work together. And we are in the forefront in fighting terrorism, and we have an excellent, successful story, and we are standing ready to share it with everybody, including our friends here. Sidhant Sibal: And India's presence at the Sharm El Sheikh peace summit? Dr Badr Abdelatty: We had extended an invitation to India, and we've been happy that India was participating, because India is not only a regional power. It's a global power. And of course, their involvement is very important, and we need now to work more and more with India, especially with regard to providing food support to the people of Gaza, especially medical equipments, medical treatment. And we have discussed this with our Indian friends, with my dear friend, the foreign minister of India, Dr S Jaishankar.

Egypt FM Dr. Badr Abdelatty, in Delhi for the India-Egypt Strategic Dialogue, praised strong ties with India, urging more Indian businesses in Egypt. He discussed cooperation in AI, trade, and counterterrorism, and backed India's role in Gaza peace efforts at the Sharm El-Sheikh summit.

Political ties more than excellent, Egypt foreign minister Dr Badr Abdelatty on India ties

India's Buddhist traditions left their trail of ascetic uniqueness in ancient Egypt. A statue of Buddha, the reverent ascetic who founded Buddhism, has been discovered in Egypt's seaport of Berenice on the Red Sea, about 900 km south of Cairo and nearly 3800 km west of ancient India's port city of Khambat in the present-day Gujarat state.&nbsp;

The Buddha statue, discovered by a Polish-US mission, sheds light on trade ties between larger West Asian region including ancient Egypt with ancient India.

The statue dates back to "the Roman era while digging at the ancient temple in Berenice," an antiquities ministry statement said on Wednesday.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/explained-was-cleopatra-really-black-a-mystery-that-will-outlive-us-all-586070">Explained: Was Cleopatra really Black? A mystery that will outlive us all</a>

The find has "important indications over the presence of trade ties between Egypt and India during the Roman era", the head of Egypt's supreme antiquities council Mostafa al-Waziri said.

The statue, with part of its right side and its right leg missing, measures 71 centimetres (28 inches) in height and portrays Buddha with a halo around his head and a lotus flower by his side.

Waziri said Berenice was one of the largest seaports in Roman-era Egypt, and was often the destination for ships from India laden with spices, semi-precious stones, textiles and ivory.

<h2>Ancient India's trade network with West Asia</h2>

Around 1200 BC, the first pepper [exported from an Indian port] appears in the Egyptian record, positively identified from the dried fruits in the nostrils of the mummy of Ramesses II, commonly known as Ramesses the Great.&nbsp;

This is the first indication of a trade contact between Egypt and India.

Ample evidence has been unearthed that tells the maritime story of trade networks between ancient Asian civilisations, the ones that flourished on the banks Ganges and Indus and the ones that prospered on the both sides of Nile river.&nbsp;

The Greek and Latin inscriptions engraved on the walls of a cave in the Wadi Mineh area located in the eastern desert of Egypt about 700 km south of Cairo testify to the fact that Roman traders were travelling regularly to India by the turn of the millennium.

<h2>Egypt's recent archaeological discoveries</h2>

Egypt has unveiled many major archaeological discoveries in recent years, amid attempts to revive its vital tourism industry after years of political unrest and the Covid pandemic.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;WION Fineprint: Discovery that dazzled world: Egypt marks 100 years of tomb of Tutankhamun

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However, critics say the flurry of excavations has prioritised finds that grab media attention over hard academic research.

The crown jewel in the government's plans is the long-delayed inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum at the foot of the pyramids in Giza.

The government plans to attract 30 million tourists a year by 2028, up from 13 million before the pandemic.

(With inputs from agencies)

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India's Buddhist traditions left their trail of ascetic uniqueness in ancient Egypt. A statue of Buddha, the reverent ascetic who founded Buddhism, has been discovered in Egypt's seaport of Berenice on the Red Sea, about 900 km south of Cairo and nearly 3800 km west of ancient India's port city of Khambat in the present-day Gujarat state.

India's Buddhist traditions left their trail of ascetic uniqueness in ancient Egypt. A statue of Buddha, the reverent ascetic who founded Buddhism, has been discovered in Egypt's seaport of Berenice on the Red Sea, about 900 km south of Cairo and nearly 3800 km west of ancient India's port city of Khambat in the present-day Gujarat state. The Buddha statue, discovered by a Polish-US mission, sheds light on trade ties between larger West Asian region including ancient Egypt with ancient India. The statue dates back to "the Roman era while digging at the ancient temple in Berenice," an antiquities ministry statement said on Wednesday. ALSO READ | Explained: Was Cleopatra really Black? A mystery that will outlive us all The find has "important indications over the presence of trade ties between Egypt and India during the Roman era", the head of Egypt's supreme antiquities council Mostafa al-Waziri said. The statue, with part of its right side and its right leg missing, measures 71 centimetres (28 inches) in height and portrays Buddha with a halo around his head and a lotus flower by his side. Waziri said Berenice was one of the largest seaports in Roman-era Egypt, and was often the destination for ships from India laden with spices, semi-precious stones, textiles and ivory. Ancient India's trade network with West Asia Around 1200 BC, the first pepper [exported from an Indian port] appears in the Egyptian record, positively identified from the dried fruits in the nostrils of the mummy of Ramesses II, commonly known as Ramesses the Great. This is the first indication of a trade contact between Egypt and India. Ample evidence has been unearthed that tells the maritime story of trade networks between ancient Asian civilisations, the ones that flourished on the banks Ganges and Indus and the ones that prospered on the both sides of Nile river. The Greek and Latin inscriptions engraved on the walls of a cave in the Wadi Mineh area located in the eastern desert of Egypt about 700 km south of Cairo testify to the fact that Roman traders were travelling regularly to India by the turn of the millennium. Egypt's recent archaeological discoveries Egypt has unveiled many major archaeological discoveries in recent years, amid attempts to revive its vital tourism industry after years of political unrest and the Covid pandemic. ALSO WATCH | WION Fineprint: Discovery that dazzled world: Egypt marks 100 years of tomb of Tutankhamun × However, critics say the flurry of excavations has prioritised finds that grab media attention over hard academic research. The crown jewel in the government's plans is the long-delayed inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum at the foot of the pyramids in Giza. The government plans to attract 30 million tourists a year by 2028, up from 13 million before the pandemic. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India-Egypt ancient ties: Buddha statue's discovery points to deep civilisational links

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Look to strengthen trade, defence, political ties with India: Egypt Ambassador

Political ties more than excellent, Egypt foreign min Abdelatty on India ties

India-Egypt ancient ties: Buddha statue's discovery points to deep civilisational links