Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a two-day visit to Egypt, which has been hailed as a potential game changer for bilateral ties. The visit is expected to strengthen the already elevated strategic relationship between the two countries and could pave the way for increased investment from India in Egypt. It is Modi’s first visit to the country as prime minister and the first by any Indian prime minister since 1997.

During the visit, Modi is expected to engage in bilateral talks and sign trade agreements, in addition to meeting with the small Indian community and prominent leaders in Egypt. The visit is seen as an opportunity for both countries to deepen their economic and trade relations.

Egypt, which has endured economic challenges in recent years due to the pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war, is looking towards India to meet its foreign debt obligations and maintain food security. Additionally, Cairo sees India as a gateway to major markets in Europe and Africa, while India is concerned about China’s growing influence in Egypt.

India and Egypt have a long history of close ties, having been founding members of the 1961 Non-Alignment Movement. Modi’s visit is seen as an effort to strengthen these historical relations and expand India’s presence in the Middle East and North Africa region.

Furthermore, Egypt’s potential entry into the BRICS economic bloc is expected to be a key topic of discussion during the visit. Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has expressed a desire for the country to join BRICS, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Modi is expected to announce India’s support for Egypt’s membership in BRICS, which would enable Egypt to further diversify its economic partnerships and increase its global influence.

Overall, Modi’s visit to Egypt is significant for both countries as it has the potential to strengthen bilateral ties, open up new areas of trade and economic engagement, and pave the way for Egypt’s entry into the BRICS economic bloc. It also allows India to consolidate its position as a voice of the Global South and secure deeper access to the Middle East and North Africa region through Cairo. The visit highlights the importance of Egypt as a strategic partner for India and reinforces the historical ties between the two nations.