<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his state visit to Egypt, met his Egyptian counterpart Mostafa Madbouly and discussed the deepening cooperation across areas like trade and investment, and renewable energy.</p>

<p>PM Modi and the Egyptian PM held a roundtable meeting with seven cabinet ministers and senior officials in attendance.</p>

<p>Taking to Twitter, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, "Advancing India-Egypt civilisational relations! In his first engagement in Cairo, PM @narendramodi held a meeting with the newly set up India Unit in the Egyptian Cabinet @CabinetEgy, headed by PM Mostafa Madbouly. Seven Cabinet Ministers and senior officials were present at the meeting."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Advancing 🇮🇳-🇪🇬 civilisational relations!<br />
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In his first engagement in Cairo, PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> held a meeting with the newly setup India Unit in the Egyptian Cabinet <a href="https://twitter.com/CabinetEgy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CabinetEgy</a>, headed by PM Mostafa Madbouly.<br />
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Seven Cabinet Ministers and senior officials were present in the… <a href="https://t.co/NeKveGY5m3">pic.twitter.com/NeKveGY5m3</a></p>
— Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1672646011087630339?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 24, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Discussions focused on deepening cooperation across a range of areas including trade &amp; investment, renewable energy, green hydrogen, IT, digital payment platforms, pharma and people-to-people ties. PM thanked Egypt for setting up this dedicated high-level India Unit and appreciated the whole of government approach," he said in another tweet.</p>

<h2><strong>PM Modi meets Grand Mufti of Egypt in Cairo</strong></h2>

<p>The Indian Prime Minister, on Saturday, also met the Grand Mufti of Egypt, Shawki Allam.</p>

<p>Allam, in a conversation with news agency ANI, said that this was his second meeting with PM Modi and that he has seen great development in India.</p>

<p>"I was honoured to meet PM Modi today, this was our second meeting. Between the two meetings, I have seen that there is great development in India. PM Modi reflects the wise leadership for a big country like India," the Grand Mufti said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> met His Eminence Prof. Shawky Ibrahim Allam, Grand Mufti of Egypt.<br />
<br />
They discussed the strong cultural &amp; people to people relations between India and Egypt. Discussions also focused on issues related to social and religious harmony in society and countering… <a href="https://t.co/ucFFVkDVYA">pic.twitter.com/ucFFVkDVYA</a></p>
— Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1672658088602509318?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 24, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Wise policies are being adopted by PM Modi in bringing co-existence between the various factions in India. At the religious level, we have strong cooperation with India. The Indian side is also going to provide an Information Technology Centre of Excellence here. We have lots of scope of cooperation," the Grand Mufti said.</p>

<p>The Grand Mufti also presented a special gift to Prime Minister Modi.</p>

<p>The Ministry of External Affairs, in an official release, said that the discussions between the two were mainly focused on issues related to social and religious harmony in society.</p>

<h2><strong>Indian PM meets CEO of Hassan Allam Holding</strong></h2>

<p>PM Modi had a productive discussion with Hassan Allam, CEO of Hassan Allam Holding Company which is one of the largest Egyptian companies operating in the Middle East and North African region on 24 June 2023 in Cairo.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> had a productive meeting with Mr. Hassan Allam, the CEO of Hassan Allam Holding Company. They discussed subjects pertaining to economy and forging closer cooperation in sectors like infrastructure and construction. <a href="https://t.co/kKLBWrGvCG">pic.twitter.com/kKLBWrGvCG</a></p>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1672707639900512256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 24, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>They discussed possibilities of forging closer cooperation with Indian companies in renewable energy, green hydrogen, infrastructure and construction sectors.</p>

<p>The official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Arindam Bagchi wrote, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Mohamed Medhat Hassan Allam, CEO of Hassan Allam Properties in Cairo, Egypt. PM @narendramodi held a fruitful meeting with Hassan Allam, CEO of Hassan Allam Holding Company, one of the largest Egyptian companies operating in the Middle East &amp; North African region."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> held a fruitful meeting with Hassan Allam, CEO of Hassan Allam Holding Company, one of the largest Egyptian companies operating in the Middle East &amp; North African region.<br />
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Possibilities of forging closer cooperation with Indian companies in renewable energy,… <a href="https://t.co/5zVweNvwwF">pic.twitter.com/5zVweNvwwF</a></p>
— Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1672676920411168769?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 24, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Modi meets prominent Yoga instructors in Cairo</strong></h2>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi met prominent yoga instructors, Reem Jabak and Nada Adel in Cairo on Saturday.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Prominent Yoga practitioners and instructors from Egypt, Reem Jabak and Nada Adel met PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> in Cairo. The Prime Minister expressed admiration for their dedication to popularise Yoga. <a href="https://t.co/IOjKrOCOO9">pic.twitter.com/IOjKrOCOO9</a></p>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1672709901943197696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 24, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>"PM @narendramodi held a warm conversation with two young prominent Yoga instructors, Reem Jabak and Nada Adel, in Cairo," the official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Arindam Bagchi tweeted.</p>

<p>"PM praised them for their commitment to Yoga and encouraged them to visit India. They informed PM of great enthusiasm for Yoga in Egypt," added the tweet.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> held a warm conversation with two young prominent Yoga instructors, Reem Jabak and Nada Adel, in Cairo.<br />
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PM praised them for their commitment to Yoga and encouraged them to visit India. They informed PM of great enthusiasm for Yoga in Egypt. <a href="https://t.co/6aMGTloE4F">pic.twitter.com/6aMGTloE4F</a></p>
— Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1672687271034617856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 24, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi will visit the Al-Hakim Mosque on Sunday where he will spend nearly half an hour. The mosque, which is located in the Egyptian capital Cairo, is the fourth oldest mosque in Egypt and the second largest after the mosque of ibn Tulun. The mosque is also an important religious site for the Dawoodi Bohra community in Cairo.</p>

<p>He will also visit the Heliopolis War Grave cemetery to pay tribute to the Indian soldiers, who made the supreme sacrifice fighting for Egypt during the First World War.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his state visit to Egypt, met his Egyptian counterpart Mostafa Madbouly and discussed the deepening cooperation across areas like trade and investment, and renewable energy.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his state visit to Egypt, met his Egyptian counterpart Mostafa Madbouly and discussed the deepening cooperation across areas like trade and investment, and renewable energy. PM Modi and the Egyptian PM held a roundtable meeting with seven cabinet ministers and senior officials in attendance. Taking to Twitter, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, "Advancing India-Egypt civilisational relations! In his first engagement in Cairo, PM @narendramodi held a meeting with the newly set up India Unit in the Egyptian Cabinet @CabinetEgy, headed by PM Mostafa Madbouly. Seven Cabinet Ministers and senior officials were present at the meeting." Advancing 🇮🇳-🇪🇬 civilisational relations! In his first engagement in Cairo, PM @narendramodi held a meeting with the newly setup India Unit in the Egyptian Cabinet @CabinetEgy, headed by PM Mostafa Madbouly. Seven Cabinet Ministers and senior officials were present in the… pic.twitter.com/NeKveGY5m3 — Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) June 24, 2023 × "Discussions focused on deepening cooperation across a range of areas including trade & investment, renewable energy, green hydrogen, IT, digital payment platforms, pharma and people-to-people ties. PM thanked Egypt for setting up this dedicated high-level India Unit and appreciated the whole of government approach," he said in another tweet. PM Modi meets Grand Mufti of Egypt in Cairo The Indian Prime Minister, on Saturday, also met the Grand Mufti of Egypt, Shawki Allam. Allam, in a conversation with news agency ANI, said that this was his second meeting with PM Modi and that he has seen great development in India. "I was honoured to meet PM Modi today, this was our second meeting. Between the two meetings, I have seen that there is great development in India. PM Modi reflects the wise leadership for a big country like India," the Grand Mufti said. PM @narendramodi met His Eminence Prof. Shawky Ibrahim Allam, Grand Mufti of Egypt. They discussed the strong cultural & people to people relations between India and Egypt. Discussions also focused on issues related to social and religious harmony in society and countering… pic.twitter.com/ucFFVkDVYA — Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) June 24, 2023 × "Wise policies are being adopted by PM Modi in bringing co-existence between the various factions in India. At the religious level, we have strong cooperation with India. The Indian side is also going to provide an Information Technology Centre of Excellence here. We have lots of scope of cooperation," the Grand Mufti said. The Grand Mufti also presented a special gift to Prime Minister Modi. The Ministry of External Affairs, in an official release, said that the discussions between the two were mainly focused on issues related to social and religious harmony in society. Indian PM meets CEO of Hassan Allam Holding PM Modi had a productive discussion with Hassan Allam, CEO of Hassan Allam Holding Company which is one of the largest Egyptian companies operating in the Middle East and North African region on 24 June 2023 in Cairo. PM @narendramodi had a productive meeting with Mr. Hassan Allam, the CEO of Hassan Allam Holding Company. They discussed subjects pertaining to economy and forging closer cooperation in sectors like infrastructure and construction. pic.twitter.com/kKLBWrGvCG — PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 24, 2023 × They discussed possibilities of forging closer cooperation with Indian companies in renewable energy, green hydrogen, infrastructure and construction sectors. The official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Arindam Bagchi wrote, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Mohamed Medhat Hassan Allam, CEO of Hassan Allam Properties in Cairo, Egypt. PM @narendramodi held a fruitful meeting with Hassan Allam, CEO of Hassan Allam Holding Company, one of the largest Egyptian companies operating in the Middle East & North African region." PM @narendramodi held a fruitful meeting with Hassan Allam, CEO of Hassan Allam Holding Company, one of the largest Egyptian companies operating in the Middle East & North African region. Possibilities of forging closer cooperation with Indian companies in renewable energy,… pic.twitter.com/5zVweNvwwF — Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) June 24, 2023 × Modi meets prominent Yoga instructors in Cairo Prime Minister Narendra Modi met prominent yoga instructors, Reem Jabak and Nada Adel in Cairo on Saturday. Prominent Yoga practitioners and instructors from Egypt, Reem Jabak and Nada Adel met PM @narendramodi in Cairo. The Prime Minister expressed admiration for their dedication to popularise Yoga. pic.twitter.com/IOjKrOCOO9 — PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 24, 2023 × "PM @narendramodi held a warm conversation with two young prominent Yoga instructors, Reem Jabak and Nada Adel, in Cairo," the official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Arindam Bagchi tweeted. "PM praised them for their commitment to Yoga and encouraged them to visit India. They informed PM of great enthusiasm for Yoga in Egypt," added the tweet. PM @narendramodi held a warm conversation with two young prominent Yoga instructors, Reem Jabak and Nada Adel, in Cairo. PM praised them for their commitment to Yoga and encouraged them to visit India. They informed PM of great enthusiasm for Yoga in Egypt. pic.twitter.com/6aMGTloE4F — Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) June 24, 2023 × PM Modi will visit the Al-Hakim Mosque on Sunday where he will spend nearly half an hour. The mosque, which is located in the Egyptian capital Cairo, is the fourth oldest mosque in Egypt and the second largest after the mosque of ibn Tulun. The mosque is also an important religious site for the Dawoodi Bohra community in Cairo. He will also visit the Heliopolis War Grave cemetery to pay tribute to the Indian soldiers, who made the supreme sacrifice fighting for Egypt during the First World War. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

PM Modi meets Egyptian counterpart Mostafa Madbouly, discusses trade, investment, renewable energy

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<p>India-Egypt relations have been on the upswing. The year started with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi visiting New Delhi as the chief guest for the Republic Day parade as the two sides produced a roadmap for bilateral relations and set the tone for cooperation in areas from “pharma to military industries to security to information technology". Now, in an exclusive conversation with WIONs diplomatic correspondent Siddhant Sibal on the sidelines of the sixth Indian Ocean Conference in Dhaka, Aly Houssam El-Din El-Hefny, secretary general of the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs has reflected on the same.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When quizzed about the increased momentum between the two countries, El-Hefny said relations were growing stronger.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Excellent thing to think of. Obvious that relations had to develop further. Cordial relations. Serious push lately. Sisi's visit important. Political, economic issues, investments, terrorism radicalism, military cooperation. More exercises between the two. Relations getting diversified," said El-Hefny.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Military co-operation between the two nations</strong></h2>

<p>Asked if Egypt was planning to purchase military equipment from New Delhi to strengthen its forces, El-Hefny, who has&nbsp;previously served as the Egyptian ambassador to China, Hungary, Mexico, Belize and Mongolia remained optimistic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It is for the military to decide. We have accumulated expertise in the military and there is room for exchange (on military tech)."</p>

<p>Notably, in January, prior to&nbsp;El-Sisi’s attendance at India’s Republic Day celebrations, the two countries&nbsp;held their first-ever military joint exercise in Rajasthan.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/egypt-remains-indias-indispensable-afro-arab-ally-556082"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;President El-Sisi visits as R-Day chief guest, Egypt remains Delhi’s indispensable Afro-Arab ally</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>India's G20 presidency&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>With India undertaking the G20 presidency this year and holding the summit later this year, Cairo said it was invited by India because the government in New Delhi believes the African country can add value to the summit.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Very important, India is of the opinion that Egypt has to be invited because its an important economically developing nation and has a prosperous future. Egypt will add value to the G20 summit. We will be able to attend our experience and analysis with others at the forum."&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-exclusive-egypts-ambassador-to-india-wael-hamed-speaks-to-wion-553261"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;WION Exclusive: Egypt's ambassador to India Wael Hamed speaks to WION</strong></a></p>

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<p>Egypt is a significant gateway to markets in Africa and Europe. According to India's Ministry of External Affairs, bilateral trade reached a record high of $7.26 billion in 2021–22.</p>

<p>Under former Indian prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Egyptian president Gamal Abdel Nasser, relations between India and Egypt improved, particularly following India's support for Egypt during the 1956 Suez Crisis.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


India-Egypt relations have been on the upswing. The year started with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi visiting New Delhi as the chief guest for the Republic Day parade as the two sides produced a roadmap for bilateral relations and set the tone for cooperation in areas from “pharma to military industries to security to information technology".

India-Egypt relations have been on the upswing. The year started with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi visiting New Delhi as the chief guest for the Republic Day parade as the two sides produced a roadmap for bilateral relations and set the tone for cooperation in areas from “pharma to military industries to security to information technology". Now, in an exclusive conversation with WIONs diplomatic correspondent Siddhant Sibal on the sidelines of the sixth Indian Ocean Conference in Dhaka, Aly Houssam El-Din El-Hefny, secretary general of the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs has reflected on the same. When quizzed about the increased momentum between the two countries, El-Hefny said relations were growing stronger. "Excellent thing to think of. Obvious that relations had to develop further. Cordial relations. Serious push lately. Sisi's visit important. Political, economic issues, investments, terrorism radicalism, military cooperation. More exercises between the two. Relations getting diversified," said El-Hefny. Military co-operation between the two nations Asked if Egypt was planning to purchase military equipment from New Delhi to strengthen its forces, El-Hefny, who has previously served as the Egyptian ambassador to China, Hungary, Mexico, Belize and Mongolia remained optimistic. "It is for the military to decide. We have accumulated expertise in the military and there is room for exchange (on military tech)." Notably, in January, prior to El-Sisi’s attendance at India’s Republic Day celebrations, the two countries held their first-ever military joint exercise in Rajasthan. ALSO READ | President El-Sisi visits as R-Day chief guest, Egypt remains Delhi’s indispensable Afro-Arab ally India's G20 presidency With India undertaking the G20 presidency this year and holding the summit later this year, Cairo said it was invited by India because the government in New Delhi believes the African country can add value to the summit. "Very important, India is of the opinion that Egypt has to be invited because its an important economically developing nation and has a prosperous future. Egypt will add value to the G20 summit. We will be able to attend our experience and analysis with others at the forum." WATCH | WION Exclusive: Egypt's ambassador to India Wael Hamed speaks to WION × Egypt is a significant gateway to markets in Africa and Europe. According to India's Ministry of External Affairs, bilateral trade reached a record high of $7.26 billion in 2021–22. Under former Indian prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Egyptian president Gamal Abdel Nasser, relations between India and Egypt improved, particularly following India's support for Egypt during the 1956 Suez Crisis. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Exclusive: 'Cairo can add value to summit': Top Egyptian official on receiving G20 invitation from New Delhi

<p>India has handed over the batch of medicines including HCQ to Egypt even as it has offered to train Egyptian health ministry officials under its e-ITEC programmes on COVID-19 management strategies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking exclusively to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Cairo, Indian envoy to Egypt Rahul Kulshreshth also said New Delhi has shared its "governance response" to COVID-19 with Egyptian authorities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In fact, a few Egyptian dailies – Daily News and Al Masry Al Youm have carried information on India’s pre-emptive and proactive measures. Around 260 Indian nationals, mostly tourists, businessmen, professionals are stranded in Egypt.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WION:</strong> The role played by the Indian mission in Egypt in taking care of Indian citizens?</p>

<p><strong>Rahul Kulshreshth:</strong> Our embassy began monitoring the COVID-19 situation in Egypt around mid-February, particularly in view of outbound tourism from India to Egypt.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In early March, a group of Indian tourists were placed in isolation on a river cruise boat in Luxor, along with other tourists on board the vessel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Our officials maintained regular contact with the group and also followed up on their welfare and needs with the Egyptian Ministries of Tourism and Health and the tour operator, and coordinated their return to India after PCR testing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>One Indian tourist, who was part of the same group, tested positive for COVID-19 and was shifted to a quarantine facility by Egyptian authorities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Here again, the embassy remained in regular touch with him, the Egyptian health ministry and the designated quarantine hospital till he recovered and returned to India. There were a couple of other cases in March, till international flights were suspended by Egyptian authorities on March 19 and tourists being placed in isolation or visitors from India facing difficulty with air tickets and here too our officials extended necessary assistance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Unfortunately, one Indian national succumbed to COVID-19. We have extended necessary assistance to his family. &nbsp;For over the past month and a half we have maintained personal contact with the Indian Community Association and its members as well as student representatives.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Likewise, we have also maintained contact with Indian nationals stranded in Egypt to ascertain their welfare. Advisories have been issued by both Egyptian and Indian authorities have been regularly shared with the Indian community in Egypt.&nbsp;<br />
Embassy helpline numbers, details of designated officials handling COVID-19 related issues have been repeatedly publicized on the Mission’s website, Facebook and Twitter handles.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Consular services continue to be provided by the Mission, albeit in a limited fashion, in line with the precautions necessitated by the current situation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>We have a small but cohesive Indian community in Egypt that has a record of always helping and assisting Indian nationals in distress situations and supporting the embassy’s efforts.</p>

<p><strong>WION:</strong> How many Indians were impacted by COVID-19?</p>

<p><strong>Rahul Kulshreshth:</strong> There are about 260 Indian nationals stranded in Egypt. This includes tourists, businessmen, professionals who were on assignments and a few who have reported job losses. In addition, there are 350 Indian students in Egyptian universities.</p>

<p><strong>WION: </strong>How are India and Egypt collaborating in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic?</p>

<p><strong>Rahul Kulshreshth:</strong> Egypt is a close friend and one of our key partners in the region. On April 17, 2020, India's Prime Minister Modi had a telephone conversation with H.E. Mr. Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of Egypt, which was widely covered in Egyptian media.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The leaders discussed the evolving global situation, exchanged information about the steps taken in India and Egypt to deal with the coronavirus outbreak, and agreed on the utility of continuous exchange of experiences and best-practices.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prime Minister Modi also conveyed India's support in terms of pharmaceutical supplies during these difficult times. A first batch of medicines (HCQ and paracetamol tablets) as gift from the people and government of India has been handed over to the Egyptian Embassy in New Delhi. Other requirements are under process.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The MEA has been coordinating with the Egyptian embassy in New Delhi to facilitate the smooth evacuation of Egyptian nationals stranded in India as well as of Egyptian nationals from Bangladesh via India. We have also invited the Egyptian Health Ministry to participate in the e-ITEC short training live webinars for healthcare professionals on COVID-19 management strategies and related aspects organized under our ITEC programme. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WION:</strong> What do you think about the Egyptian model and have we shared any Indian model?</p>

<p><strong>Rahul Kulshreshth:</strong> Egyptian government’s response to COVID-19 in terms of detection, testing, isolation, quarantine, contact-tracing and referral of positive cases has earned praise from WHO.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Egypt has also taken a number of measures and initiatives to stimulate the national economy, drawing praise from the IMF. The approach has been proactive and decisive, and measures that have been taken are being updated not only to deal with the current situation but also with an eye to the future.&nbsp;</p>

<p>We have shared information in respect of our governance response to COVID-19 with Egyptian authorities as well as the Indian community in Egypt. A few Egyptian dailies – Daily News and Al Masry Al Youm – carried information on India's pre-emptive and proactive measures.</p>


India has handed over the batch of medicines including HCQ to Egypt even as it has offered to train Egyptian health ministry officials under its e-ITEC programmes on COVID-19 management strategies.

India has handed over the batch of medicines including HCQ to Egypt even as it has offered to train Egyptian health ministry officials under its e-ITEC programmes on COVID-19 management strategies. Speaking exclusively to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Cairo, Indian envoy to Egypt Rahul Kulshreshth also said New Delhi has shared its "governance response" to COVID-19 with Egyptian authorities. In fact, a few Egyptian dailies – Daily News and Al Masry Al Youm have carried information on India’s pre-emptive and proactive measures. Around 260 Indian nationals, mostly tourists, businessmen, professionals are stranded in Egypt. WION: The role played by the Indian mission in Egypt in taking care of Indian citizens? Rahul Kulshreshth: Our embassy began monitoring the COVID-19 situation in Egypt around mid-February, particularly in view of outbound tourism from India to Egypt. In early March, a group of Indian tourists were placed in isolation on a river cruise boat in Luxor, along with other tourists on board the vessel. Our officials maintained regular contact with the group and also followed up on their welfare and needs with the Egyptian Ministries of Tourism and Health and the tour operator, and coordinated their return to India after PCR testing. One Indian tourist, who was part of the same group, tested positive for COVID-19 and was shifted to a quarantine facility by Egyptian authorities. Here again, the embassy remained in regular touch with him, the Egyptian health ministry and the designated quarantine hospital till he recovered and returned to India. There were a couple of other cases in March, till international flights were suspended by Egyptian authorities on March 19 and tourists being placed in isolation or visitors from India facing difficulty with air tickets and here too our officials extended necessary assistance. Unfortunately, one Indian national succumbed to COVID-19. We have extended necessary assistance to his family. For over the past month and a half we have maintained personal contact with the Indian Community Association and its members as well as student representatives. Likewise, we have also maintained contact with Indian nationals stranded in Egypt to ascertain their welfare. Advisories have been issued by both Egyptian and Indian authorities have been regularly shared with the Indian community in Egypt. Embassy helpline numbers, details of designated officials handling COVID-19 related issues have been repeatedly publicized on the Mission’s website, Facebook and Twitter handles. Consular services continue to be provided by the Mission, albeit in a limited fashion, in line with the precautions necessitated by the current situation. We have a small but cohesive Indian community in Egypt that has a record of always helping and assisting Indian nationals in distress situations and supporting the embassy’s efforts. WION: How many Indians were impacted by COVID-19? Rahul Kulshreshth: There are about 260 Indian nationals stranded in Egypt. This includes tourists, businessmen, professionals who were on assignments and a few who have reported job losses. In addition, there are 350 Indian students in Egyptian universities. WION: How are India and Egypt collaborating in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic? Rahul Kulshreshth: Egypt is a close friend and one of our key partners in the region. On April 17, 2020, India's Prime Minister Modi had a telephone conversation with H.E. Mr. Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of Egypt, which was widely covered in Egyptian media. The leaders discussed the evolving global situation, exchanged information about the steps taken in India and Egypt to deal with the coronavirus outbreak, and agreed on the utility of continuous exchange of experiences and best-practices. Prime Minister Modi also conveyed India's support in terms of pharmaceutical supplies during these difficult times. A first batch of medicines (HCQ and paracetamol tablets) as gift from the people and government of India has been handed over to the Egyptian Embassy in New Delhi. Other requirements are under process. The MEA has been coordinating with the Egyptian embassy in New Delhi to facilitate the smooth evacuation of Egyptian nationals stranded in India as well as of Egyptian nationals from Bangladesh via India. We have also invited the Egyptian Health Ministry to participate in the e-ITEC short training live webinars for healthcare professionals on COVID-19 management strategies and related aspects organized under our ITEC programme. WION: What do you think about the Egyptian model and have we shared any Indian model? Rahul Kulshreshth: Egyptian government’s response to COVID-19 in terms of detection, testing, isolation, quarantine, contact-tracing and referral of positive cases has earned praise from WHO. Egypt has also taken a number of measures and initiatives to stimulate the national economy, drawing praise from the IMF. The approach has been proactive and decisive, and measures that have been taken are being updated not only to deal with the current situation but also with an eye to the future. We have shared information in respect of our governance response to COVID-19 with Egyptian authorities as well as the Indian community in Egypt. A few Egyptian dailies – Daily News and Al Masry Al Youm – carried information on India's pre-emptive and proactive measures.

India hands over first batch of HCQ to Egypt, offers to train healthcare professionals