India has historically maintained strong and cordial relations with Arab countries, tracing back to ancient times. Notably, India has made significant investments across a range of nations, spanning from Oman to Egypt, Sudan, and beyond. Cultural ties have also played a crucial role throughout history.
In recent years, India has been actively strengthening its bilateral relations with countries in its extended neighbourhood. While energy cooperation has traditionally been the cornerstone of their longstanding partnership, there is now a notable expansion in military, security, and defence collaboration.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was received by the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, H.E. Mr. Abdel Fattah al-Sisi at Al Ittihadiya Palace in Cairo, Egypt, on June 25, 2023. The recent state-level visit to Egypt has further strengthened the bilateral relations between the two countries.
Diplomatic Engagement and Security Cooperation
India has been increasing its diplomatic efforts in the Middle East. Prime Minister Narendra Modi became the first Indian leader to visit Israel in 2017. The announcement of a trilateral agreement initiative between India, UAE, and France highlights the progress. [i] The convergence of political, economic, technological, and military-security interests is likely to strengthen India’s military diplomacy with the Gulf states in the future.
There has been the formation of “a second Quad” involving Middle Eastern states, referred to as the I2U2 (India-Israel-UAE-U.S.). The recent connectivity initiative between India, Saudi Arabia, the U.S., and the UAE is a response to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
This reflects an unprecedented intensification of India-U.S. engagement in West Asia. The Abraham Accords, signed in 2020, have played a significant role in fostering normalcy in relations among several Middle Eastern countries, including Israel, the UAE, and Bahrain, and have created new opportunities for diplomatic engagement.[ii]
Prime Minister Modi’s Visit to Egypt: Key Takeaways
Prime Minister Modi’s first visit to Egypt, where he met Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, is yet another sign of the growing influence of India in the region. During the state visit, the two leaders discussed strengthening ties in areas including trade, food security, and defence.[iii]
PM Modi and President al-Sisi signed a joint declaration to elevate relations to a strategic partnership. During their meeting, the Prime Minister and President Sisi also engaged in discussions regarding enhanced collaboration within the G-20 framework. They specifically emphasized the importance of addressing challenges related to food and energy insecurity, climate change, and the necessity for the Global South to have a unified and influential voice. Furthermore, the Prime Minister expressed anticipation for President Sisi’s visit to New Delhi in September 2023 to participate in the G20 Leaders’ Summit.
India is already Egypt’s seventh-largest trading partner, according to data from Cairo’s central bank, with trade reaching $7bn last year. Earlier this year, a mutual agreement was reached between the two nations to enhance trade cooperation. India ranks among the top five importers of Egyptian goods, encompassing a range of products such as crude oil, liquefied natural gas, salt, cotton, inorganic chemicals, and oilseeds. In return, Egypt receives notable exports from India, including cotton yarn, coffee, herbs, tobacco, lentils, vehicle parts, ships, boats, and electrical machinery.[iv]
Conclusion
India’s diplomacy encompasses a multipolar approach, India aspires to establish itself as a prominent global player. [v]India has embarked on a path to attain the necessary political influence that will allow it to transcend the limitations of a middle power and narrow the gap with major global players. By forging relationships unapologetically and strategically, India has been steadily gaining confidence and maximizing its position without overtly alienating partners and rivals. India’s approach aims to navigate the international arena with assurance, capitalizing on opportunities to bolster its standing while maintaining a delicate balance between various actors in the global landscape.
[i] Alvite Ningthoujam, “India’s Defense Diplomacy in the Gulf is Growing,” The Diplomat, May 18, 2023, https://thediplomat.com/2023/05/indias-defense-diplomacy-in-the-gulf-is-growing/ (Accessed on July 3, 2023)
[ii] Rajeshwari Pillai Rajagopalan, “A Second Quad in the Making in the Middle East,” The Diplomat, May 22, 2023, https://thediplomat.com/2023/05/a-second-quad-in-the-making-in-the-middle-east/ (Accessed on July 3, 2023)
[iii] “Egypt and India bolster ties as Modi makes first trip to Cairo,” Reuters, June 25, 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/egypt-india-bolster-ties-modi-makes-first-trip-cairo-2023-06-25/ (Accessed on July 4, 2023)
[iv] Ibid.
[v] Jagannath P. Panda, “India in a world of asymmetrical multipolarity,” Institute for Security & Development Policy, March, 2023, https://isdp.eu/publication/india-in-a-world-of-asymmetrical-multipolarity/ (Accessed on July 5, 2023)
Authored By: Sonakshi Bhardwaj, Research Intern, USI, CS3