75th Year of Establishment of Diplomatic Relation between India-Egypt

India and Egypt are celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2023. The joint announcement establishing diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level was made on 18 August 1947, shortly after India’s independence. This milestone year is further highlighted by H.E. Mr Abdel Fattah El Sisi, President of Egypt, being the Chief Guest at India’s Republic Day celebrations in 2023. Egypt has also been invited as a Guest Country during India’s G-20 Presidency in the same year.

Ancient Civilizational Bonds

India and Egypt are among the world’s oldest civilizations, with historical links dating back to ancient times. The relationship between the two nations has been sustained through centuries of people-to-people contact, mutual respect, and cultural exchange. These ties have not only endured the test of time but have continued to deepen through warmth, friendship, and goodwill between the two peoples.

Cultural Affinities and Exchanges

Both nations share strong similarities in their cultural roots, reflected in food habits, music, dance forms, cinema, and other traditions that emerged from their ancient civilizations. Indian cinema, television serials, and especially Hindi music, enjoy immense popularity in Egypt. Yoga is also steadily gaining prominence among Egyptians.

India’s month-long cultural festival ‘India by the Nile’, which showcases diverse aspects of Indian culture, has become highly popular in Egypt. In a similar spirit, Egypt has organized ‘Egypt by the Ganga’ in India, presenting Egyptian culture to Indian audiences and strengthening cultural understanding between the two nations.

Growing Strategic and Economic Partnership

India–Egypt relations have evolved into a strong and multifaceted partnership over the years. High-level political engagement has played a crucial role in strengthening bilateral ties. Both countries extended support to each other during the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting mutual solidarity.

Bilateral defence cooperation has received a significant boost in recent times. Economic relations have also grown steadily, with bilateral trade reaching a record high of US$ 7.26 billion in FY 2021–22, underscoring the expanding commercial engagement between the two nations.

The Ganga and the Nile: Rivers of Civilization

The River Ganga and the River Nile stand as enduring symbols of faith, culture, and tradition, having shaped the civilizations of India and Egypt respectively. In India, the Ganga holds profound religious, cultural, commercial, and industrial significance, serving as a lifeline for a large section of the population and embodying spiritual divinity.

Similarly, in Egypt, the Nile has been central to life for millennia. Ancient Egyptian civilization evolved around the Nile, with every aspect of life influenced by its geography, resources, and seasonal rhythms. The river remains the heart of Egypt’s cultural and historical identity.

Philatelic Commemoration

The commemorative postage stamps depicting the Ganga and the Nile beautifully symbolize the deep-rooted civilizational connection and enduring friendship between India and Egypt.

The Department of Posts is pleased to issue a complete set of two commemorative postage stamps on the 75th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between India and Egypt, celebrating the shared heritage, warmth, goodwill, and strong bonds between the two nations.