In a significant diplomatic move, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi conferred Egypt's highest honor, the Order of the Nile, upon Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a state visit to Cairo. This symbolic gesture underscores the strengthening relationship between the two nations, culminating in a joint declaration to elevate their ties to a "strategic partnership." This agreement signifies a commitment to enhanced cooperation and regular dialogue between India and Egypt.

The historical connection between these two countries dates back to the 1950s when they played pivotal roles in establishing the Non-Aligned Movement during the Cold War. Modi's visit, the first by an Indian prime minister in over two decades, follows el-Sissi's visit to New Delhi six months prior as a guest of honor at India's Republic Day parade. Further solidifying their collaboration, Modi extended an invitation to el-Sissi to attend the G20 summit hosted by India in September.

Beyond official discussions, Modi's itinerary included visits to iconic landmarks such as the Pyramids of Giza and the historic Al-Hakim Mosque in Cairo, recently restored with contributions from the India-based Dawoodi Bohra community. He also paid respects to Indian soldiers interred at the Heliopolis War Cemetery. A key focus of Modi's trip was bolstering bilateral trade, with a stated aim to reach $12 billion annually within five years. Current trade figures stand at $6 billion, marking a notable increase from the previous year.

Several agreements were formalized between the two governments, spanning agriculture, archaeology, antiquities, and competition law. Reflecting on the visit, Modi described it as "historic," emphasizing its potential to revitalize India-Egypt relations and benefit both nations. This strengthened partnership comes as both countries aim to enhance their global influence amidst evolving geopolitical and economic landscapes. India is a major importer of Egyptian goods, including crude oil, natural gas, and cotton, while India exports items such as textiles, coffee, and machinery to Egypt.

Both el-Sissi and Modi, who assumed leadership roles in their respective countries in 2014, have fostered closer ties in recent years. They have maintained a shared stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, refraining from condemning Russia's actions, reflecting their long-standing relationships with the Kremlin. This alignment further underscores their converging interests and shared perspectives on the global stage. Modi's visit to Egypt followed a trip to the United States, where he engaged with President Biden, addressed Congress, and met with American business leaders.