India and Egypt are reinforcing their defense cooperation with the fourth joint exercise between their air forces, held from June 21 to 26, 2024. The exercise, involving key aircraft like the C-17, IL-78, and Rafale jets, is taking place at Egypt’s Berighat Air Base.
Ajit Gupte, India’s Ambassador to Egypt, visited the air base to meet with the Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent participating in the HOPEX joint exercise with the Egyptian Air Force (EAF). The Indian Embassy in Egypt shared the details on X, expressing optimism about the ongoing bilateral military engagements.
Parallel to this military cooperation, political ties between the two nations received a boost following Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent re-election. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi extended his congratulations to Modi, expressing a desire to enhance Cairo-Delhi relations further.
Responding to President El-Sisi’s message, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the sustained engagement between the two countries and looked forward to reaching new heights in their partnership.
Modi’s recent inauguration for a third term took place on June 9, after a coalition victory led by his party, the BJP, which won 240 seats. The ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan, presided over by President Droupadi Murmu, marked the beginning of his new term.
India and Egypt have shared a robust political understanding and cooperation on various bilateral, regional, and global issues since establishing diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level on August 18, 1947. The two countries celebrated 75 years of diplomatic ties in 2022 and have historically cooperated closely in multilateral fora, including as founding members of the Non-Aligned Movement.
