India, Egypt To Hold First-Ever Special Forces Exercises: Ambassador Wael Hamed

Egypt's Ambassador to India Wael Hamed announced on Monday that the two countries will hold the first-ever military exercises involving special forces in Udaipur, Jaipur, and Jodhpur.

“For the first time, we will hold joint military exercises in Udaipur, Jaipur and Jodhpur with special forces from Egypt and India. And we are broadening our defence cooperation to include not only joint exercises of air and naval forces but also special forces,” Hamed said while speaking to the media in New Delhi.

During a panel discussion on India-Egypt ties in a changing global order, he said, “India is a major country in the Indian Ocean, and the security of the Indian Ocean begins with the security of the Red Sea in the west, and the Suez Canal for Egypt. The Indian Ocean also plays a role in the Suez Canal's security. So, because we are both linked in terms of security, it is critical for both countries to meet and discuss.”

When asked about the bilateral trade target, Ambassador said that USD 12 billion does not represent both countries' potential. Earlier, Ausaf Sayeed, secretary (CPV & OIA), MEA, stated that bilateral trade reached an all-time high of US dollars 7.2 billion between 2021 and 2022 and that trade was expected to increase to around 12 billion.

“India is a massive market with 1.4 billion people, but Egypt, with a population of only 100 million people, also has access to 1.4 billion people. From Egypt, you can reach people in the European Union (EU), with whom we have an FTA, the Arab world and the African continent. As a result, Egypt serves as a gateway to a market of approximately 1.4 or 1.3 billion people. So, by coming to Egypt, India will be able to reach and gain duty-free access to all of the region's markets,” the ambassador stated.

Earlier, at the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) Panel Discussion on India-Egypt Ties in a Changing Global Order, Sayeed emphasised that India and Egypt have enormous potential and can reach even higher levels through bilateral engagements based on shared interests.

“Today, our priority is strengthening this bond while cultivating new connections. Egypt is a valued partner who plays a critical role in ensuring Arab and African peace and stability,” Sayeed said.

The India-Egypt partnership has enormous potential and can reach greater heights based on Global South commonalities that we have historically shared. He added that we have excellent multilateral cooperation and a good understanding of regional and global issues.

He described the completion of 75 years of diplomatic ties between India and Egypt as a “momentous occasion,” noting that the two countries established formal relations three days after India's independence on 15 August 1947.

He stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to be the Republic Day's chief guest and that the invitation was warmly received.

Sayeed added that Abdel Fattah El Sisi to visit India and meetings between the two leaders at various forums, including the United Nations, boosted bilateral ties are scheduled.