India-Egypt Defence Relations 've Touched New Heights, Says Indian Amb.

The Indian ambassador to Egypt, H.E. Shri Ajit Gupte, held a press conference on Thursday to discuss the bilateral relations between India and Egypt in various sectors.

He said: “Over the past 2 years, India - Egypt defence relations have touched new heights, and continue to move from strength to strength. We have been able to institutionalize Joint Exercises between our Air Forces and Special Forces.”

Gupte noted that the 2nd edition of India-Egypt Joint Special Forces exercise ‘Cyclone’ was held early this year (Jan 22- Feb. 1, 2024) at Anshas in Egypt, adding that the most recent air exercise round between our forces was held in Cairo West and Berighat bases last month (21_26 June 2024), with C-17, IL-78 and Rafales participating in Hopex with the Egyptian Air Force.

He continued: "The Naval cooperation between India and Egypt has also been strengthening with numerous port calls and Passexes held in the last few years. Most recently, Indian Navy's front-line stealth frigate, INS Tabar, arrived at Alexandria port for a goodwill visit from 27 to 30 Jon 2024. This was the 2nd visit of INS TABAR to Egypt in the last few years, with the previous port call taking place in June 2021."

In the same context, Gupte explained: "India and Egypt have enjoyed a rich legacy of close cultural relations and economic ties for many centuries. These bonds have continued to grow stronger in modern times, and in recent years, bilateral cooperation has expanded rapidly."

On the political level, Gupte said that the relationship has been elevated to a ‘strategic partnership’, during the historic visit of Prime Minister Narender Modi to Egypt in June 2023.

"Our strengthening defence cooperation reaffirms India's commitment to this ‘strategic partnership’, as well as our shared vision of free, open and secured maritime routes."

He also referred to the " Mann Ki-baath (thoughts from the heart)" speech by Indian Prime Minister Modi during the international Yoga celebration, in which he highlighted the achievements made on International Yoga Day in several countries, including Egypt.

He further noted that the Indian embassy in Cairo organized a photo contest, capturing thousands of people practicing yoga on the banks of the Nile River, the shores of the Red Sea, and in front of the pyramids, noting that these photos gained significant popularity.