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Egyptian–Indian Relations: A Study in Geopolitical Equilibria within the Framework of South–South Cooperation
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Prepared by: Dina Doma
Research Assistant, Middle East Affairs Unit
Egyptian–Indian relations exemplify a renewed paradigm of engagement between emerging powers striving to recalibrate their position within the international system through the strategic deployment of soft and smart power instruments and the operationalization of South–South cooperation frameworks. These mechanisms are designed to foster autonomous development while enhancing their regional and global geopolitical influence. The Cairo–New Delhi partnership is not merely a product of contemporary geopolitical shifts; its foundations trace back to the formative stages of modern international politics, when both states’ political visions converged within the framework of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). NAM represented both an intellectual and political strategy to counterbalance attempts at bipolar domination during the Cold War. In the current multipolar context, global systemic transformations have rendered coordination among Southern states not simply an ancillary policy option but a strategic imperative for redressing structural asymmetries in global power relations.
In this context, the official visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates, “Badr Abdel Atty”, to New Delhi, and his engagement with Indian Prime Minister “Narendra Modi” on Friday, October 17, 2025, constituted the inaugural round of the bilateral Strategic Dialogue. During the visit, Minister Abdel Atty conferred the “Grand Collar of the Nile” upon Prime Minister Modi in recognition of his pivotal role in consolidating bilateral ties, particularly as Egypt and India commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Egyptian-Indian Friendship Treaty. The Minister also delivered a written message from President “Abdel Fattah El-Sisi”, articulating the strategic vision for deepening bilateral cooperation across investment, trade, defense, and technological domains. The message further extended felicitations to Prime Minister Modi on India’s forthcoming assumption of the BRICS presidency in 2026.[1] This diplomatic engagement thus marks the commencement of a new phase in Egyptian–Indian relations, reflecting a deliberate evolution from conventional bilateral cooperation toward a multidimensional strategic partnership.
This rapprochement assumes a multidimensional character with the formal establishment of the Egyptian–Indian Strategic Dialogue and the deepening of bilateral coordination within multilateral architectures, most notably the BRICS framework. Cairo is concurrently preparing to host the Eighth Session of the Egyptian-Indian Joint Committee in the first half of 2026. Within this context, the present study seeks to interrogate the geopolitical dynamics underpinning the trajectory of Egyptian–Indian relations by systematically examining the determinants of cooperation and mapping both extant and prospective modalities of engagement within the paradigm of South–South cooperation. Moreover, the study endeavors to demonstrate how this bilateral relationship can transcend its traditional economic–commercial orientation, evolving into a paradigmatic model of strategic partnership among Southern states, thereby contributing to the recalibration of regional and global power structures along more inclusive and equitable lines.
First: Dimensions and Cornerstones of Egyptian–Indian Relations
Egyptian–Indian relations constitute a distinctive paradigm of engagement between two ancient civilizations that have historically shaped the trajectory of human development. Their interactions have evolved from early civilizational linkages to a contemporary strategic partnership, beginning with the intellectual affinity between Mahatma Gandhi and Saad Zaghloul in their respective struggles for national liberation, and culminating in the close collaboration between Gamal Abdel Nasser and Jawaharlal Nehru, formalized through the signing of the Treaty of Friendship in 1955[2]. Over subsequent decades, this relationship has matured into a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, rendering Egyptian–Indian relations a prominent model of inter-state engagement among Southern nations pursuing autonomous development and a significant role within the multipolar international system. The following outlines the principal strategic dimensions and foundational cornerstones of this bilateral relationship:
A. The Political Dimension
1- Historical Foundations and Establishment of Diplomatic Ties: Political relations between Egypt and India rank among the oldest formalized ties between states of the Global South, rooted in historical exchanges of trade, knowledge, and culture dating back to the ancient Pharaonic and Indian civilizations. The modern diplomatic framework was inaugurated on 18 August 1947, immediately following India’s independence, when Egypt established ambassadorial-level relations with New Delhi. This made Egypt one of the first countries to recognize independent India, symbolizing the enduring historical and political affinity between the two nations [3]. From their inception, these relations have been characterized by a convergence of visions and coordinated stances within international forums, particularly during the era of national liberation in the mid-20th century. Gamal Abdel Nasser and Jawaharlal Nehru emerged as central architects of the global liberation movement and co-founders of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in 1961. NAM articulated a shared commitment to an autonomous foreign policy, independent of Cold War polarizations, grounded in the principles of peace, respect for state sovereignty, and the right of peoples to self-determination. These principles continue to serve as the normative framework guiding Egyptian–Indian relations today.
2- Political Relations in the Post-Cold War Era: The 1980s and 1990s witnessed a qualitative intensification of the political relationship, marked by frequent high-level reciprocal visits. Former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak visited India in 1982, 1983, and 2008, resulting in the conclusion of multiple agreements encompassing economic, cultural, and military cooperation. Likewise, Indian Prime Ministers—including Rajiv Gandhi (1985), P. V. Narasimha Rao (1995), and Inder Kumar Gujral (1997)—visited Cairo, consolidating a phase of political stability and mutual understanding. Following the end of the Cold War and the emergence of a unipolar international system[4], Cairo and New Delhi remained committed to the principles of the Non-Aligned Movement, adapting them to address evolving global dynamics. The two countries subsequently adopted convergent positions on regional security and institutional reform within the United Nations framework.
3- The Post-2013 Phase and the Emergence of a Renewed Partnership: With the assumption of power by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in 2014, bilateral relations entered a new phase characterized by mutual openness, with both sides seeking to elevate cooperation to a broader and more integrated level. In January 2015, President El-Sisi participated in the India-Africa Forum Summit in New Delhi [5], reaffirming Egypt’s commitment to enhancing engagement with emerging Asian powers. He subsequently conducted an official visit to India in September 2016, followed by another in January 2023 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the Chief Guest for India’s Republic Day celebrations, symbolizing the depth of mutual respect and the strength of bilateral ties.
4- Transition Towards a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Cairo in June 2023 marked a watershed moment in the trajectory of Egyptian–Indian political relations. During this visit, both parties announced the elevation of bilateral ties to the level of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. President El-Sisi also conferred the Order of the Nile—Egypt’s highest civilian honor—upon Prime Minister Modi[6] in recognition of his pivotal role in strengthening cooperative relations, imparting a symbolic dimension to this new phase. The discussions emphasized adherence to the principles of mutual respect, non-interference in domestic affairs, and coordinated positions on regional and global issues.
5- Institutional Mechanisms for Political Cooperation: Egyptian–Indian political dialogue is supported by a set of regular institutional mechanisms designed to ensure continuity and coherence across various levels of engagement. Central among these are the Political Consultation meetings between the Foreign Ministries, the thirteenth round of which took place in New Delhi in December 2024 [7], and the Joint Committee at the Foreign Ministers’ level, last convened in 2018. The Joint Defence Committee, whose tenth session was held in July 2024, focuses on frameworks for military and technological cooperation, while joint economic and technical committees, including the Joint Trade Committee and the Joint Business Council, facilitate the alignment of political and economic agendas. Additionally, specialized Working Groups convene regularly in fields such as counter-terrorism, renewable energy, health, and biotechnology, underscoring the multidimensional nature of political cooperation and its integration with broader developmental objectives.
6- Coordination on Regional and International Issues: The current phase is characterized by enhanced coordination between Cairo and New Delhi in addressing regional and global challenges. The two states maintain convergent positions on terrorism, reform of the international system, and the promotion of the Global South’s interests. This coordination is evident within the United Nations, the G20, and the Non-Aligned Movement, where both parties emphasize the prioritization of development, food security, and the green transition to serve the needs of developing countries. In recent years, leaders have engaged in frequent consultations on pressing security matters, including the telephone conversation between President El-Sisi and Prime Minister Modi in October 2023 following the outbreak of the Israeli conflict in Gaza[8]. India also participated in Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit in October 2025 for the signing of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. Conversely, in April 2025, Egypt expressed full solidarity with India in the aftermath of the terrorist attack in Kashmir [9], and also welcomed the truce and ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan in May 2025, following successful mediation efforts by the United States.
B. The Economic and Commercial Dimension
1- Egypt’s Significance in Economic Relations with India: Egypt has historically been one of India’s most important trading partners on the African continent. The Bilateral Trade Agreement between India and Egypt, which entered into force in March 1978, is founded on the Most Favored Nation (MFN) principle—a cornerstone of international trade governance—ensuring equality and non-discrimination in commercial relations between the two states. This agreement established the legal framework underpinning bilateral economic and commercial interactions over the past decades, providing a solid foundation for mutual understanding and progressively expanding economic exchanges between Cairo and New Delhi.[10]
2- Evolution of Bilateral Trade Volume: Bilateral commercial relations have experienced significant growth in recent years. Trade volume peaked during the Fiscal Year (FY) 2021–2022, reaching $7.26 billion, representing a 75% increase according to India’s Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCIS). Egyptian statistics from the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS) indicate that India ranked as Egypt’s sixth-largest trading partner during FY 2024–2025, with total bilateral trade amounting to $5.2 billion, comprising $3.84 billion in Indian exports to Egypt and $1.3 billion in Indian imports from Egypt [11]. This trajectory reflects both the diversification of economic linkages and India’s growing recognition of the Egyptian market as a strategic gateway to African and Arab markets.
3- Indian Investments in the Egyptian Market: Indian investments constitute a key pillar of economic relations between the two countries. Approximately 55 Indian companies operate in Egypt across sectors such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and energy. Direct Indian investments exceed $4 billion, generating approximately 38,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities for Egyptian citizens. Moreover, new Indian investments valued between $700 and $800 million are currently under implementation. During FY 2023–2024, Egypt attracted additional Indian investments exceeding $175 million. Notable examples of collaboration include[12]:
Tech Mahindra, which established its first Global Delivery Center in Egypt in December 2022 to support operations across the Middle East and Africa.[13]
Serum Institute of India, in cooperation with Egypt, launched the country’s first local production line for Hepatitis B and Pentavalent vaccines in March 2023, with an annual production capacity of up to 100 million doses.[14]
ReNew and OCIOR, which signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the Egyptian government valued at $8 billion and $4 billion, respectively, to establish green hydrogen production plants, supporting Egypt’s transition toward a green economy.[15]
4- Joint Exhibitions and Commercial Events: Indian participation in Egyptian exhibitions serves as a robust indicator of the vitality and dynamism of bilateral economic relations. In December 2024, 45 Indian companies participated in the Food Africa Cairo 2024 exhibition, presenting products including Basmati rice, spices, and processed agricultural goods. Additionally, under the patronage of the National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC), Indian firms participated in the Turathna Heritage Exhibition for Handicrafts, organized by Egypt’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (MSMEDA), reflecting India’s commitment to supporting Egyptian artisanal and small-scale industries. In March 2025, 45 Indian companies took part in the India-Africa ICT Expo, held from April 6 to 7, 2025, alongside Egyptian and other African firms[16]. The event featured 20 Indian startups showcasing cutting-edge technological innovations in Artificial Intelligence and digital solutions. Furthermore, in April 2025, an Indian delegation specializing in the fertilizer industry visited Egypt to enhance collaboration in fertilizer trade and agricultural investments, advancing the mutual objective of food security for both countries.[17]
5- Mechanisms for Commercial and Institutional Cooperation: The robustness of Egyptian–Indian economic relations is underpinned by a variety of bilateral mechanisms designed to develop and regulate commercial and economic cooperation. Key mechanisms include[18]:
Joint Trade Committee (JTC): Responsible for monitoring the implementation of trade agreements and assessing existing obstacles.
Joint Business Council (JBC): Brings together business representatives from both countries to explore investment opportunities and joint ventures.
Joint Working Groups: Focus on sector-specific dossiers, such as manufacturing, energy, and technology.
The Indian Embassy in Cairo: also facilitates communication between business communities and organizes economic forums and events that enhance trade opportunities. These concerted efforts have encouraged hundreds of Indian companies to visit Egypt and participate in international trade exhibitions. Through coordinated initiatives to remove non-tariff barriers, India was included among the approved suppliers of wheat to Egypt—an achievement reflecting mutual trust in commercial and agricultural standards.
6- Technical Cooperation and Capacity-Building Projects: Egyptian–Indian relations extend beyond trade into development cooperation and knowledge transfer. Aid and grant programs encompass numerous joint development initiatives, including:
Tele-Medicine and Tele-Education Project at Alexandria University: Facilitates the exchange of academic and medical expertise.
Solar Energy Project in Al-Agaween Village: Provides sustainable lighting solutions for rural communities.
Centre of Excellence in Information Technology (CEIT) at Al-Azhar University: Inaugurated in February 2019, this initiative has trained over 1,500 Egyptian students in advanced computing skills. Negotiations are ongoing between India’s Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) and Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta to establish a Centre of Excellence in IT within Dar Al-Ifta. This project aims to support the digitization of fatwas (religious edicts) and enhance the delivery of religious services through modern technological platforms.[19]
C- The Military and Security Dimension
1- Nature of Defence Relations Between the Two Countries: Egypt and India enjoy friendly and robust defence relations. Following a brief interruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic, military ties between the two countries have seen significant activity since June 2021, with numerous defence delegations visiting Egypt, including the transit of Indian aircraft and warships. Indian Air Force Chief of Staff, Air Marshal V. R. Chaudhari, conducted an official visit to Egypt in November 2021, followed by an Egyptian delegation led by Egyptian Air Force Commander, Air Marshal Abbas Helmy, who visited India in July 2022, as part of the exchange of high-level military visits. In September 2022, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited Egypt, where he met President “Abdel Fattah El-Sisi” and held bilateral discussions with Minister of Defence and Military Production, General “Mohamed Zaki”. During the visit, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Defence Cooperation was signed, marking a significant milestone in bilateral relations[20]. In May 2023, Indian Army Chief of Staff, General “Manoj Pande”, visited Egypt[21], while the Indian Undersecretary of Defence Production made another visit to Cairo in April 2025, accompanied by the heads of major Indian companies: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), with the aim of advancing bilateral defence industrial cooperation[22].
2- The Joint Defence Committee (JDC): Most current defence cooperation between Egypt and India is determined through the activities of the Joint Defence Committee (JDC), which was established in 2006. Since then, nine meetings have been held alternately in both countries, followed by various military exchange activities. The ninth meeting of the JDC was held in Cairo in November 2019, while the tenth meeting convened in New Delhi from July 29 to August 2, 2024, reflecting the regularity of institutional communication between the defence ministries of the two countries[23].
3- Bilateral Military Exercises and Manoeuvres: Military relations between Egypt and India have witnessed a qualitative leap in the field of joint manoeuvres and exercises, as follows[24]:
In October 2021, the first joint tactical air exercise between the Air Forces of the two countries, named “Desert Warrior,” was held in Cairo.
In June–July 2022, an Indian Air Force squadron (comprising three Su-30MKI aircraft and two C-17 transport aircraft) participated for the first time in the Tactical Leadership Program (TLP) organized by the Egyptian Air Force.
On May 8, 2023, a joint air manoeuvre was conducted between the Egyptian and Indian Air Forces at an Egyptian base to enhance military cooperation.
India also participated for the first time in the tripartite exercise “Bright Star 2023,” hosted by Egypt and led by the US Central Command (CENTCOM) and the Egyptian Army in August 2023.
From June 21 to 26, 2024, a bilateral air exercise was conducted involving four Indian Air Force Rafale aircraft in Egypt. The Air Forces of both countries also participated in the eighth edition of the Tactical Leadership Program for 2024 at Cairo West Air Base.
In the maritime domain, the Egyptian Navy participated in the international naval exercise “MILAN 2024,” organized by the Indian Navy in February 2024.
In February 2025, the third edition of the “Cyclone” exercise was held between the Special Operations Forces of the two countries.
An official Egyptian delegation also participated in the “Aero India 2025” exhibition in February 2025, confirming the continued close military coordination between the two sides.[25]