EAM’s opening remarks at the 1st India-Egypt Strategic Dialogue

Minister, let me say what a great pleasure it is to welcome you on your first visit to India as Foreign Minister.

Our meeting for the first India-Egypt Strategic Dialogue is a milestone in our ties. Since the elevation of our relationship to the level of a Strategic Partnership in 2023, we can see that cooperation in various domains have intensified. Our deliberations today provide an opportunity to take stock and set directions to realize the visions of our leaders.

Bilaterally, we have, as I said, noted the deepening of collaboration in different spheres. Our political contacts and coordination have been strong and sustained, including in the multilateral side. Our defence and security exchanges have grown. Trade and investment continues to be promising, and we will discuss how to take them forward. We can also explore possibilities in digital public infrastructure, fintech, pharma, space, startups, and green technologies. As befitting two old civilizations, culture and people-to-people exchanges also occupy an important place in our ties.

In keeping with our longstanding friendship, it was natural that Egypt assisted us in the evacuation of Indian nationals from the region in June 2025. We thank you very much for all that you did at that time.

I would also like to place on record our deep appreciation for the solidarity that your Government and you personally displayed in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terrorist attack. Prime Minister Modi and President Sisi spoke to each other at that time. We noted the warm welcome you accorded to the multi-party parliamentary delegation that visited Egypt after that.

So let me also say Excellency, that we meet at a time when international situation is complex and volatile, and certainly I think an exchange of perspectives on current challenges is to our mutual benefit.

Let me take the opportunity to appreciate the contribution of Egypt and the leadership of President Sisi in realizing the Gaza peace plan. Prime Minister Modi appreciated President Sisi’s invitation to the Sharm-el-Sheikh Summit for Peace. We were represented by Minister K.V. Singh. We sincerely hope that the Summit and its understandings will pave the way for a better future. India will continue to strongly support all efforts towards a durable and just peace in the region.

In that context, let me also state that India has been consistent in its support for a two-state solution. We have significant development cooperation with Palestine and are committed to enhancing capacity building, human resource development and strengthening Palestinian institutions.

Excellency, India and Egypt share a commitment to the progress of the Global South and the strengthening of independence and freedom of choice of nations in world affairs. This solidarity will surely guide our discussions today. Once again, a very, very warm welcome and I invite you to make your opening remarks. Thank you.

New Delhi
October 16, 2025