Daily Current Affairs : 26-June-2023
Recently, the Prime Minister of India embarked on a two-day visit to Egypt, underscoring the importance of the bilateral relationship between the two nations. Over the years, India and Egypt have shared a crucial diplomatic connection, dating back to the 3rd century BC. This essay explores the evolution of India-Egypt relations, the strategic cooperation between the two countries, the significance of Egypt for India, and the significance of India for Egypt.
Evolution over the Years:
The historical interaction between India and Egypt can be traced back to the reign of Indian Emperor Ashoka the Great in the 3rd century BC. Ashoka dispatched envoys to the court of the Egyptian ruler Ptolemy II Philadelphus, who reciprocated by sending his ambassador to the Mauryan court. This incident marked the earliest known interaction between the two ancient civilizations and laid the foundation for diplomatic engagement.
Bilateral Relationship Established:
In 1947, India established a formal bilateral relationship with Egypt. Both countries played a pivotal role in the founding of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), along with Yugoslavia, Indonesia, and Ghana. However, in later years, particularly during the 1970s, India-Egypt ties took a backseat, with India largely ignoring not just Egypt but also the entire West Asia region.
India-Egypt Strategic Cooperation to Promote Peace:
India and Egypt have recently welcomed the expansion of Indian investments in Egypt, which currently amount to over $3.15 billion. The two countries recognize the importance of strategic cooperation in promoting peace and stability in the region. They have also expressed confidence that bilateral trade, which stood at $7.26 billion in 2021-22, can reach up to $12 billion within the next five years.
Cultural Cooperation:
In addition to economic ties, India and Egypt have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cultural Cooperation. This MoU aims to strengthen the cultural ties between the two nations and is valid for a period of five years. It paves the way for the exchange of cultural activities in the realms of music, dance, theatre, and literature.
Defence Cooperation:
India and Egypt have taken significant steps towards defense cooperation. The first-ever joint exercise between the special forces of the Indian Army and the Egyptian Army, named “Exercise Cyclone-I,” was recently conducted in Rajasthan. Such exercises not only enhance military ties but also foster mutual understanding and cooperation between the armed forces of both countries.
Significance of Egypt for India:
Egypt holds crucial importance for India due to the presence of the Suez Canal, the most popular trade route between Asia and Europe. The canal, under Egyptian jurisdiction, connects the Mediterranean Sea with the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. Additionally, Egypt’s proximity to oil and gas producing countries such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia gives it significant influence in the Mediterranean Sea. Strengthening India-Egypt ties will contribute to India’s strategic advantage in West Asia and Africa.
Significance of India for Egypt:
Egypt seeks India’s assistance in tackling its battered economy. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with the implications of the Russia and Ukraine conflict, has exacerbated Egypt’s financial woes. Inflation in the country has reached a five-year high of over 30 percent, leading Egypt to approach the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for the fourth time in six years. More than 50 Indian companies have already invested over $3.15 billion in Egypt, highlighting the significance of India’s economic support.
Important Points:
- India and Egypt have shared a crucial diplomatic relationship since the 3rd century BC.
- The bilateral relationship between India and Egypt was established in 1947.
- India-Egypt ties took a backseat during the 1970s but have recently been revitalized.
- India and Egypt welcome the expansion of Indian investments in Egypt, which currently amount to over $3.15 billion.
- Bilateral trade between India and Egypt stood at $7.26 billion in 2021-22.
- Both countries aim to increase bilateral trade to $12 billion within the next five years.
- India and Egypt have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cultural Cooperation to strengthen cultural ties.
- The first-ever joint exercise between the special forces of the Indian Army and the Egyptian Army, named “Exercise Cyclone-I,” was conducted in Rajasthan.
- Egypt’s Suez Canal holds crucial importance for India as it is the most popular trade route between Asia and Europe.
- Egypt’s proximity to oil and gas producing countries gives it influence in the Mediterranean Sea.
- Cairo seeks India’s help to tackle its battered economy, as it has faced financial woes worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic and conflicts.
- More than 50 Indian companies have invested over $3.15 billion in Egypt, supporting the country’s economy.
Why In News
Recently, the Prime Minister of India, accompanied by a high-level delegation, arrived in Egypt to embark on a significant two-day visit aimed at fostering bilateral relations and strengthening cultural ties between the two nations. During his stay, the Prime Minister engaged in productive discussions with Egyptian counterparts, exploring avenues for enhanced cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, and cultural exchanges, fostering a path towards a more robust partnership between India and Egypt.
MCQs about Strengthening India-Egypt Relations
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Which ancient Indian Emperor had diplomatic interactions with the Egyptian ruler?
A. Ashoka the Great
B. Chandragupta Maurya
C. Harsha Vardhana
D. Akbar the Great
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What is the significance of the Suez Canal for India?
A. It connects the Mediterranean Sea with the Red Sea.
B. It is a crucial trade route between Asia and Europe.
C. It provides India with strategic advantage in West Asia and Africa.
D. All of the above.
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Why does Egypt seek India’s assistance in tackling its economy?
A. To strengthen cultural ties
B. To address financial woes worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic
C. To enhance defense cooperation
D. To increase bilateral trade
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