The nations of Egypt and India have concluded deliberations on fortifying their ties in certain areas including commerce, food security and defence during a state visit to Cairo by the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, on Sunday, June 25.
On his first official trip to Egypt, Modi had met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and some Egyptian ministers.
Both sides have meanwhile confirmed that their talks on Sunday, June 25, had included areas of trade and investment, renewable energy, information technology and pharmaceuticals.
Discussions on food and energy insecurity, climate change, defence and security ties had also been further discussed.
India, previously weighing a proposal to permit Egypt make purchases in rupees and to barter goods such as fertiliser and gas has now granted the proposal although no mention was made of it in the statements gathered on Sunday.
Let’s recall that Egypt had been facing a severe foreign currency shortage and has been struggling to attract foreign investment.
India is probably eager to strengthen ties with Egypt as a means to establish trade through the Suez Canal as it had exported about $4.11 billion of goods to Egypt while only importing $1.95 billion in the past fiscal year. A very commendable plan.
