The Embassy of India in Cairo held a two-day exhibition titled "The Human Cost of Terrorism" on October 2–3 at the India House in Zamalek, marking the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, celebrated globally as the International Day of Non-Violence.
The opening ceremony on October 2 was held in the presence of Dr. Amr El-Wardany, Secretary of Fatwa and Director of Training at Egypt’s Dar al-Ifta, who attended as the Guest of Honour, representing the Grand Mufti of Egypt.
The event brought together an audience that included senior Egyptian government officials, ambassadors, former ministers, university presidents, heads of research institutions, media editors, members of the diplomatic community, UN agencies, representatives of the Indian diaspora, and Egyptian and international media.
In his keynote speech, El-Wardany addressed how terrorist groups manipulate religion, politics, and social divisions to advance destructive agendas. He called for collective global efforts to uproot extremism and referred to Egypt’s own experience in fighting terrorism. He highlighted the work of institutions like Dar al-Ifta, which play a leading role in countering radical ideologies and promoting messages of peace and tolerance.
Indian Ambassador H.E. Shri Ajit Gupte (or Ambassador Suresh K. Reddy as per the Arabic text) also addressed the gathering, condemning terrorism and reflecting on its devastating humanitarian consequences. He reaffirmed India’s longstanding position against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and reiterated India’s principled support for the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people.
The Ambassador reminded the audience that India was among the first non-Arab countries to recognize the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in the 1970s and the State of Palestine in 1988. Over the years, India has remained a reliable development and humanitarian partner, contributing more than $170 million to the Palestinian people, both bilaterally and through support to UNRWA.
The Ambassador also reflected on the ongoing collaboration between India and Egypt in counter-terrorism efforts, pointing to the shared experience both nations have had in enduring and resisting terrorist violence.
Former Foreign Minister Ambassador Mohamed El-Orabi and Ambassador Mohamed Higazy, Egypt’s former Ambassador to India, also addressed the audience. Both speakers spoke about the timeless values of Mahatma Gandhi, particularly the urgent need for rejecting violence and extremism in today’s world.
Speakers throughout the event emphasized that Egypt and India have both suffered from terrorism for decades and that cooperation in counter-terrorism remains a cornerstone of their strategic partnership.
Following the formal remarks, attendees explored the interactive exhibition, which documented major terrorist attacks in India and around the world. Through images, personal stories, and timelines, the exhibition conveyed the central message that “terrorism anywhere is terrorism everywhere.”
A special section of the display was dedicated to showcasing the solidarity between Egypt and India, including a personal call made by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to Prime Minister Narendra Modi following the Pahalgam attack in April 2025.
On its second day, October 3, the exhibition welcomed a wide range of visitors including members of the Indian community in Egypt, Egyptian students, academics, journalists, and other guests. Attendees engaged deeply with the content on display and reflected on the importance of collective resolve and international cooperation in the fight against terrorism.
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