Republic Day: 21-gun salute, ceremonial welcome for Egypt President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi; PM Modi present

Egypt President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi was received at the Rashtrapati Bhavan by President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 25 January 2023.

El-Sisi, the chief guest at the 2023 Republic Day celebrations, was accorded a ceremonial welcome which included a 21-gun salute.

El-Sisi is visiting India as the two countries celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations. The Indian government said, "The visit is an opportunity to review and strengthen our multifaceted ties."

The Egyptian leader arrived in India on 24 January for a 3-day visit, with wide-ranging talks and inkinf of half a dozen agreements scheduled for the following day.

The Egyptian president previously visited India in October 2015 to participate in the third India-Africa Forum Summit which was followed by his state visit in September 2016.

This is for the first time that the President of Egypt has been invited as the chief guest to India's Republic Day celebrations. A military contingent from the Egyptian Army will also participate in the Republic Day parade.

(With PTI inputs)