Ambassador of India to Egypt H.E. Mr. Suresh K. Reddy delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the exhibition “The Human Cost of Terrorism”.
The event highlights the devastating toll of heinous terrorist acts around the world, and the steps taken by the international community to combat them.
It also commemorates the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and the spirit of peace and non-violence.
The following is the full text of his speech:
It is a great honor for me to welcome you all to the opening ceremony of the "Human Cost of Terrorism" exhibition today. This solemn occasion is all the more significant as it coincides with October 2, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, celebrated as the "International Day of Non-Violence." Gandhi's simple yet profound message consistently emphasized peace and justice as the fundamental basis of human progress.
The Scourge of Terrorism – An Obstacle to Peace and Prosperity
Terrorism is a global scourge that recognizes no borders, excludes no society, and challenges the values of humanity. Terrorism is not only a crime against innocents; it is also a serious obstacle to peace, stability, and prosperity. For countries like ours, striving to build inclusive growth and opportunities for our youth, terrorism is an obstacle to our hopes for a better tomorrow.
A horrific terrorist attack on innocent tourists occurred in Pahalgam, Kashmir, on April 22, 2025. This was a direct assault on the peaceful society and local economy of Kashmir, which was rapidly recovering from the cycle of violence and achieving double-digit growth with a budget exceeding $4 billion.
Egypt took a strong stance in support and solidarity with India and condemned the attack in the strongest terms. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi called Prime Minister Narendra Modi the day after the attack. Foreign Minister Dr. Badr Abdelatty also spoke with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, reaffirming Egypt's solidarity with India.
India-Egypt Bilateral Cooperation
Egypt, like India, has suffered from the serious consequences of terrorism for decades. The Egyptian government has undertaken numerous successful counterterrorism efforts. Along with the government and security services, Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and Egypt's Dar Al-Ifta have played a pivotal role in countering extremist ideology and promoting the values of peace and harmony within society.
India and Egypt attach great importance to bilateral cooperation in the field of counterterrorism. A high-level parliamentary delegation from India, including five former ministers, visited Egypt last June and was warmly welcomed.
The delegation met with His Excellency the Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, the Chairmen of the Foreign Affairs Committees of the Senate and the House of Representatives, the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs, and a number of other prominent figures, with whom they exchanged views on strengthening our shared resolve to combat terrorism.
Palestine, the Gaza Conflict, and the Peace Plan
India adopts a firm, principled position in support of the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people. Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the announcement of the Comprehensive Peace Plan to end the conflict in Gaza, expressing his hope that all concerned parties would unite to support this effort to end the conflict and achieve peace.
India was among the first countries to recognize the State of Palestine in 1988. India has also provided humanitarian and development assistance to Gaza and the West Bank over the years, including medicines, food aid, scholarships, and capacity-building programs, in addition to contributions to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). India's development assistance to Palestine in various forms has amounted to approximately $170 million over the years.
India highly appreciates the constructive and pivotal role played by Egypt in facilitating dialogue and advancing peace efforts. Egypt's mediation and balanced diplomacy have been crucial in addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and creating conditions for de-escalation.
From Violence to Non-Violence
Today's exhibition reminds us of the devastating human cost of terrorism. But it also reminds us of the alternative—the path of peace, dialogue, and non-violence. The timing could not be more appropriate. On this International Day of Non-Violence, let us remember that non-violence is not weakness, but the highest expression of strength. As Gandhi demonstrated, it has the power to move empires and change the course of history.
Thank you
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