The India-Egypt Joint Defence Committee (JDC) held productive discussions towards enhancing bilateral defence cooperation during its 11th meeting in Cairo. The Indian delegation was led by Joint Secretary (International Cooperation) Shri Amitabh Prasad and included senior representatives from the Ministry of Defence and the Defence Forces. The Egyptian delegation was headed by senior officials of the Defence Forces and the Ministry of Defence.
Both sides undertook a comprehensive review of the progress made since the previous JDC meeting and charted out a forward-looking roadmap for defence engagement. They agreed on a bilateral defence cooperation plan 2026-27 focussing on expanding Structured Military interaction mechanisms, strengthening Joint training exchanges, enhancing maritime security cooperation, increasing scope & complexity of military exercises and promoting collaboration in defence production & technology.
The Indian delegation made a presentation on fast growing manufacturing capabilities of the Indian Defence Industry, highlighting the fact that its production has crossed US $20 billion and India is exporting products valuing around US $4 billion to over 100 countries. The two sides agreed to work together to develop a defence industry cooperation plan. The Defence Industry collaboration is emerging as a key pillar of India-Egypt defence ties with both sides exploring opportunities for co-development and co-production in the field of defence manufacturing.
The inaugural Navy-to-Navy Staff Talks were held on the sidelines of the meeting. The stellar role played by the Indian Navy in promoting freedom of navigation in the Indian Ocean region was presented and the key role played by India’s Information Fusion Centre in promoting maritime security was highlighted.
The Indian delegation also called on the Commander of the Egyptian Air Force (EAF) Lieutenant General Amr Abdel Rahman Saqr. The delegation thanked the EAF Commander for the close cooperation between the Air Forces of the two countries.
The Indian delegation also laid a wreath at the HeliPolis War Memorial and paid homage to Indian Bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice during World War I and II.
A major milestone in India-Egypt defence partnership was the signing of the MoU on cooperation in the field of defence signed in September 2022 during the visit of India defence Minister to Egypt. The bilateral ties were elevated to Strategic Partnership in 2023. The 11th meeting reaffirmed the close relationship between the two countries and reinforced their mutual commitment towards regional security and stability.
