180 Egyptian Military personnel to be part of Republic Day parade

As many as 180 military personnel from Egypt are expected to be part of the Republic Day parade during President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi's visit as the chief guest on the occasion on January 26, underlining growing defence partnership covering slew of sectors including joint exercises and military-industrial cooperation.

The three-day visit by Sisi, his third to India since 2015, will also witness conclusion of slew of MoUs across range of sectors including agriculture and cyber-security, ET has learnt. Egypt has also been invited as a special guest for India's G20 Summit.

The meeting between Sisi and PM Narendra Modi is also expected to focus on growing security and counter-terror partnership, with Egypt seeking support in capacity building, cyber security and border management from India to thwart extremism and terrorism, sources said, adding, special focus is being given in information sharing. Space sector cooperation is also in the pipeline with New Delhi planning to assist Cairo in space vehicle launches.

Egypt, that houses headquarters of the Arab League, is an important player in the Arab world and has not backed Pakistan's machinations on Kashmir in OIC in the recent years.