India-Egypt ties: A historical bond
India and Egypt share a long history of mutual support. In 1956, India condemned the Anglo-French-Israeli military action and supported Egypt's right to control the Suez Canal. Five years later, in 1961, Egypt blocked Portuguese reinforcements from passing through the Suez Canal during India's liberation of Goa. Both nations were instrumental in founding the Non-Aligned Movement, and today their partnership continues through trade and defence.
This enduring relationship could be one reason behind Egypt's hesitation to join the Mecca Pact, an idea explored by India Today.
The Mecca Pact and Egypt's potential role
The Mecca Pact is a tripartite collective defence agreement signed on August 7 by Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia. Egypt has been identified as a likely next entrant, alongside Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, Azerbaijan, and Syria. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan described Cairo as a "natural partner," saying only "technical issues" remained.
Egypt's military strengths—over 4.4 lakh personnel and control of the Suez Canal—make it an attractive candidate. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said last week that Cairo was "seriously considering" joining, pending constitutional and legal reviews.
Saudi opposition and Cairo's calculations
However, Saudi Arabia is reported to oppose Egypt's entry, at least for now, according to Middle East Eye. The report cites Saudi sources expressing frustration with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi's government, which has received around $25 billion in Saudi support since 2013. Criticism focuses on Egypt's "minimal and unreliable" role in Yemen and its alignment with the UAE.
A former senior Saudi adviser told Middle East Eye, "Egypt has always been dependent on us, on the US, and it does not give back, it just takes and takes with no return." He called the notion that Egypt voluntarily abstained "laughable," suggesting Sisi would be eager to join for financial gain, and noted serious concerns about Sisi's loyalty, saying he "cannot be trusted."
Egypt has a defence treaty with the UAE and deployed Rafale jets after Iranian strikes on the UAE in May, per Middle East Eye.
India's role and Egyptian diplomacy
Indrani Bagchi of the Ananta Centre told the BBC that India was "one of the reasons" for Egypt's decision, "but the last reason." She explained that Egypt avoided joining because Pakistan does not recognise Israel and is anti-India, adding that joining "would not have had any significant impact on relations with India, but it would not have sent a good message either."
A senior Egyptian diplomat told Mada Masr that Cairo seeks to maintain a "balanced relationship with all parties" and avoid regional alignments. Another former Arab diplomat cited by Mada Masr said Egypt would not join a defence agreement with Turkey due to Turkey's complex relations with Greece and Cyprus, and would be reluctant to join with Pakistan given India talks.
Ahmed Aboudouh of Chatham House wrote that Egypt refuses to commit due to its leaders' desire to "embrace non-alignment and avoid military blocs to prevent entrapment."
India's economic and strategic ties
India and Egypt elevated their ties to a Strategic Partnership in 2023. Around 700 Indian companies are registered in Egypt, with 70 active and investments exceeding $5.5 billion. Bilateral trade stood at $6.5 billion in 2025-26, and Indian firms employ about 40,000 Egyptians. The Economic Times reported that Aegis Logistics is in advanced talks to buy UAE-based Tristar, valued at over $1.5 billion.
Official Indian view
Days after the pact was signed, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, speaking at the Economic Times World Leaders Forum, questioned the pact's utility: "There are live military situations which each of the signatories face. What has the MECCA pact done in response to that?" When the host noted that not all signatories had come to each other's aid, Jaishankar replied, "I think you just answered your question."
He said India takes into account developments involving nations not friendly toward India, but would not "bare my soul" publicly on how multi-player dealings factor in.
On China, Jaishankar said both sides seek a "stable" relationship, but the border situation determines ties. He described a "particularly bad patch" from summer 2020 to autumn 2024, primarily due to border areas. He called the two countries "very big economies" that are markets and supply-chain partners, and said India must deal confidently and stand its ground on the border.