Is India a reason behind Egypt staying out of the Mecca Pact?
This article explores the historical and strategic relationship between India and Egypt, suggesting that their long-standing ties may influence Egypt's reluctance to join the newly formed 'Mecca Pact'. It highlights Egypt's military significance and its role as a potential key member of the tripartite defense agreement.
Why it matters
Understanding the geopolitical alignment of major regional powers like Egypt is crucial for assessing the shifting security architecture in the Middle East.
In 1956, as British and French troops stormed toward the Suez Canal and Israeli armour rolled across the Sinai, India responded by condemning the Anglo-French-Israeli military action and supporting Egypt's right to control the canal. Five years later, in 1961, as Indian troops marched to liberate Goa (then a Portuguese colony), Egypt returned the favour by blocking Portuguese reinforcements from passing through the Suez Canal.As the two above examples illustrate, New Delhi and Cairo have had strong ties for decades. Both countries, after shaking off the shackles of British rule, were instrumental in setting up the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), which opposed aligning with either the US or the USSR in the course of the Cold War. Today, their partnership remains robust, particularly in trade and defence.
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