Guwahati: Prime Minister Narendra Modi met visiting Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Wednesday.
The two presidents shook hands and posed for the cameras before beginning the meeting and delegation-level discussions on bilateral, regional, and global matters of mutual concern.
The Egyptian President who arrived in New Delhi last night was given a formal welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan this morning. President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Modi and several other leaders were present on the occasion.
Sisi will be the Primary Guest on India’s 74th Republic Day, making history as the first Egyptian President to be invited as the Republic Day’s chief guest.
The Egyptian President said in a statement that it was an honour to be a guest of honour and take part in the magnificent national day. He claimed that balance and stability have always characterised the relationships between Egypt and India.
Sisi will be travelling with a high-level team to India for an official visit from January 24 to January 27 that includes five ministries and other top officials.
Sisi paid his homage to Mahatma Gandhi by placing a wreath at Rajghat before his meeting with PM Modi today. The Egyptian President also held discussions with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar today.
President Droupadi Murmu will give a state banquet in honour of the visiting dignitary later this evening. Sisi will also attend President Murmu’s “at home” reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan.
Moreover, he will meet with Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and speak with Indian businesspeople.
Notably, this year marks the 75th anniversary of the beginning of diplomatic relations between Egypt and India. Egypt has also been asked to join India’s G20 Presidency as a “guest country.”