A military detachment from Egypt marched toward the saluting dais on the Kartavya Path for the first time today as India celebrated its 74th Republic Day.
Under the company of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, the Egyptian army contingent took part in India’s 74th Republic Day parade.
The 144 soldiers in the Egyptian military detachment under the command of Colonel Mahmoud Mohamed Abdel Fattah El Kharasawy represented the main armed forces of Egypt.
Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, the President of Egypt, attended the parade as the chief guest. An Egyptian president has never before been invited to India’s Republic Day.
The Egyptian military has viewed their participation in the Republic Day parade in India as an honour and a privilege. The Egyptian contingent represents one of the oldest regular armies in human history.
On a four-day visit to India, El-Sisi attended the Republic Day Parade with a high-level entourage. The Egyptian President will watch the Republic Day parade before joining President Droupadi Murmu’s “At-Home” event at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
This year, India and Egypt have celebrated 75 years since their diplomatic ties were first established. Egypt has also been asked to join India’s G20 Presidency as a “guest country.” El-visit Sisi is also considered an opportunity to strengthen and develop relations between Egypt and India.
Colonel Mahmoud Mohamed Abdel Fattah El Kharasawy, the commander of the Egyptian Army contingent, expressed his joy at being invited to participate in India’s 74th Republic Day parade on Thursday.
He hoped the gesture would significantly strengthen future friendship and bilateral ties between India and Egypt.
Elkharasawy said, “It is a joy for us to take part in India. We are visiting India for the first time. It is a wonderful country with a civilization that is just as ancient as Egypt’s”.
“Both our civilizations are quite old. We have been practising with our pals from the Indian Army during our four days here. Our bond is strong, and we like encouraging one another.”
He also expressed the bilateral relationship between Egypt and India: “We have a fantastic friendship and a strong bond between our two countries. I’m hoping that in the future, this friendship will only get better. We also hope that more Indians will travel to Egypt.”