INDIA-Egypt ties have grown exponentially in the past decade. Egypt is one of India’s most crucial partners in Africa. The North African country holds a special place in India’s Africa policy.
This year, during its G20 presidency, India invited Egypt as a guest country. Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi was Chief Guest at the Republic Day celebrations.
During his visit at the G20 Leader’s Summit, El-Sisi expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the warm reception. He also congratulated India on its moon landing and welcomed the African Union’s membership in the group.
Global partnership
At the G20 inaugural address, he underscored the importance of international collaboration in alignment with the UN Charter and international law, stressing the need to shape a future order based on these principles and emphasising the role of international institutions in crisis response.
The Egyptian President highlighted G20’s significant role in addressing global financial imbalances and devising sustainable solutions for developing nations. These solutions encompass tackling mounting debt challenges, re-evaluating development aid effectiveness, and bridging financing gaps for sustainable development and the transition to a low-carbon economy.
Role in Africa
Additionally, El-Sisi discussed Egypt’s dedication to advancing African development, particularly through its leadership in the African Union’s New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD). Egypt actively promotes African integration via the African Continental Free Trade Area, aligning with the AU’s development objectives.
Reiterating Egypt’s commitment to addressing the global threat of climate change, El-Sisi cited its hosting of the 27th UN Climate Change Conference (COP27). Egypt introduced the concept of a just transition to a green economy during COP27 and called for a fund to address climate losses and damages. He stressed the importance of all parties fulfilling their “common but differentiated responsibilities” equitably to maintain trust and the efficacy of the multilateral framework.
El-Sisi also discussed efforts to combat food crises, revealing Egypt’s ambition to host a global centre for grain storage and trade. Egyptian president held sideline meetings with leaders from the European Commission, South Africa, Comoros, Brazil, Japan, China, and the World Health Organisation.
