Why India Invited Egypt only as Chief Guest of honour for 26th January?

 

Recently both India and Egypt have agreed to alleviate their partnership to a strategic level and to cooperate on defence, security, environment, finance and especially to have people-to-people relationships.

A question comes to our mind, despite India having many options open why India has chosen Egypt only as Guest-of-Honour for the 74th Republic Day celebration? Was it only on the basis of trade or something else? Let's Discuss a few points to understand India's move. 

A friend without a radical charge.

Egypt as a country has moderate Islamic Leadership which is not radicalised through hardcore religious outcries like that of Iran or Qatar. Egypt is eager to counter violent religious extremism. Its leadership is running various counter-insurgency programmes. This is proven when last year in June 2022 government in Cairo declined to be part of the protest by 15 Islamic nations to condemn the former BJP spokesperson's remarks on the prophet.

Egypt as an alternative 

New Delhi's ties remain difficult with Iran because of its continuous constraint with the West. Therefore Egypt can emerge as a crucial alternative to Iran. India's new outreach to Egypt now brings greater balance to its dealing with the middle east.

Tough on Terrorism

The current President of Egypt, Sisi has been tough on Islamic religious extremism. This made India and Egypt to stand on a common perspective. The two countries are also looking to deepen their defence and security cooperation. 

The air force of both countries has collaborated many times in the past. India wants to supply made in India air defence system to Egypt.

Way Forward

Around 12% of  Global trade passes through the Suez Canal and Egypt is a key player in the region. Egypt is also a gateway to Europe and Africa. Therefore in the present times, it becomes important for India to build a relationship with Egypt based on mutual trust and on the principle of one-to-one cooperation.