After concluding historic state visits to the US and Egypt, PM Modi departs for India

On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to India following his first-ever trip to Egypt, where he met with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and received the Order of the Nile, the highest accolade bestowed by the Arab world.

Modi was welcomed at the airport by Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly after ending a high-profile state visit to the US at President Joe Biden’s request.

 

“My trip to Egypt was historically significant. The people of both of our countries will gain, and it will give India-Egypt ties new life. I appreciate the love of the Egyptian people, the Egyptian government, and President @AlsisiOfficial, Modi tweeted.

 

It is also the first official visit by an Indian prime minister since 1997. He is in Egypt for a two-day state visit at President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s invitation.

 

Sunday’s meeting between Modi and President El-Sisi focused on ways to advance their strategic alliance, with a particular emphasis on trade and investment, energy cooperation, and interpersonal bonds. The two nations upgraded their partnership to one of “Strategic Partnership.”

 

Modi received the ‘Order of the Nile’ medal from President El-Sisi, which is Egypt’s highest official distinction. This is Prime Minister Modi’s thirteenth highest state accolade.

 

Modi had earlier that day visited the Dawoodi Bohra community’s renovated 11th-century Al-Hakim Mosque in Egypt. He also paid respects to the more than 4,300 brave Indian troops who gave their lives in Egypt and Aden during World War I by visiting the Heliopolis Commonwealth War Cemetery in Cairo. He also went on a tour of the Giza pyramids.

 

The Grand Mufti of Egypt, Shawky Ibrahim Abdel-Karim Allam, and Prime Minister Modi met on Saturday to address problems pertaining to fostering societal peace and combating extremism and radicalization.

 

Later that night, Modi met Egyptian Indians who lavished him with adoration and referred to him as “India’s hero.”

 

He also had meetings with notable figures in Egypt, such as Tarek Heggy, a well-known novelist, and Hassan Allam, the CEO of one of the major Egyptian businesses doing business in the Middle East and North Africa.

 

On June 20, Modi began his five-day tour. He was in the US from June 21 to June 24. His trip to the US began in New York, where he presided over a landmark celebration of the 9th International Day of Yoga on June 21 at the UN headquarters.

 

Later, President Biden welcomed him at the White House in Washington, DC, on the red carpet.

 

After their historic meeting, Modi addressed Congress and the Bidens threw a state dinner at the White House in his honour.

 

Several significant agreements to advance cooperation in crucial fields including military, space, and commerce distinguished the visit.

 

The “landmark” agreement to jointly develop jet engines in India for use in military aircraft as well as the US drone arrangement were praised by Prime Minister Modi and President Biden.

 

On Thursday, Modi made history by becoming the first Indian head of state to twice address a joint session of the US Congress. In 2016, he delivered his first speech before a joint session of the US Congress.

 

He called for action against states that support terrorism throughout his speech.

 

Additionally, Modi talked highly of India’s relations with the US and pushed for the reform of international organisations, particularly the UN.

 

A luncheon for the Indian president was given by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and US Vice President Kamala Harris on Friday at the State Department. At the White House, Modi also met with prominent CEOs from the US and India.