Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is making a first state-visit to Egypt this weekend, a trip that could further strengthen trade, political and military ties between the two countries.
Modi is expected to arrive in Cairo for a two-day visit on Saturday, following his trip to the United States. He will meet his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, as well as other Egyptian government officials. Modi will also meet with members of the Indian diaspora in Egypt.
The trip follows Sisi’s visit to India in January. Egypt and India signed a strategic partnership during the visit related to political, defense, economic and other forms of cooperation. Sisi also met with Indian businesspeople.
Egypt-India relations have historically been friendly. Both countries were early leaders of the Non-Aligned Movement in the mid-20th century, seeking independence from both the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War.