In a major move to boost bilateral defence cooperation, a high-level Indian delegation led by Defence Production Secretary Sanjeev Kumar is currently in Cairo. The visit aims to enhance defence industrial collaboration between India and Egypt, focusing on deepening strategic ties in military production and technology.

The delegation includes senior officials and the CMDs of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL). They held key discussions with top Egyptian defence figures, including the Chief of Armament of the Air Defence Forces, the Chairman of the Arab Organisation for Industrialisation, and the Chief of Staff of the Egyptian Air Force.

Also participating were C. Sushma, Charge d’Affaires at the Indian Embassy in Cairo, and Defence Attaché Group Captain Perminder Antil, alongside Eng. Emeil Helmy Elyes of Egypt’s National Authority for Military Production.

The Indian Embassy in Cairo stated, “The Egyptian side appreciated the briefing on India’s growing defence manufacturing capabilities, highlighting the reliability, affordability, and high quality of Indian defence products. Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to enhanced industrial collaboration.”

India and Egypt have steadily expanded defence ties in recent years, especially after pandemic-related interruptions. Since 2021, several bilateral exchanges, air and naval visits, and joint exercises have reinforced this growing relationship.

Key milestones in the partnership include:

• 2022: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s visit led to a formal defence cooperation agreement.
• 2021–2024: Joint air exercises such as Desert Warrior, multiple Indian Air Force participations in Egypt’s Tactical Leadership Programme (TLP), and multilateral exercise Bright Star 2023.
• 2024–2025: Rafale-led air exercises, the 8th TLP, and Exercise Cyclone 2025, a joint Special Forces drill.
• February 2025: Egypt’s active participation in Aero India 2025 and MILAN-2024 naval exercise.

Egypt also remains a crucial transit hub for Indian military aircraft and naval vessels en route to operations or exercises in Europe and beyond.

This latest visit underlines India’s broader effort to expand strategic partnerships in West Asia and North Africa, aligning with its focus on defence exports and regional security cooperation.