India, Egypt to improve cooperation in defence sector, identify militancy as 'gravest threat'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi agreed that the UN Security Council needed to be reformed to 'reflect the realities of today'.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on Friday agreed that militancy was the "gravest threats" to both countries and decided to improve cooperation in the defence and security sectors. "President al-Sisi and I have agreed that the United Nations Security Council needs to be reformed to reflect the realities of today," Modi said after holding an extensive talk with the Egyptian president.
The Egyptian leader, who is on a three-day tour in India, said the discussion with the Indian prime minister was "very productive" and that they will "strengthen cooperation in combating terrorism at all levels". The two nations also signed a memorandum of understanding on maritime shipping and decided to improve trade and commercial ties. They also vowed to encourage companies in their respective countries to invest in the other.
India has invested around $3 billion (approximately Rs 20,000 crore) in Egypt. A joint statement issued by Modi and Sisi read, "Modi welcomed Egyptian investments in India under the 'Make in India' initiative, in the manufacturing and services sectors. President al-Sisi invited Indian participation in the Suez Canal Economic Zone, particularly in sectors such as petro-chemicals, energy and agriculture."