Modi, El-Sisi discuss defence, food security; Egypt backs India on cross-border terrorism

NEW DELHI: Counter-terrorism efforts, increasing radicalisation and cyber security were among the issues that dominated PM Narendra Modi's dialogue with Egyptian President

Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, with Modi saying in a media statement later that both leaders agreed concerted action is necessary to end cross-border terrorism. The summit also saw

India and Egypt elevating their relationship to the level of strategic partnership in an effort to ramp up defence, political, energy and economic ties. The two countries

also signed five MoUs, including one for cooperation in cyber security, and discussed ways to strengthen food and healthcare security. The reference to cross-border terrorism is

significant for India as it helps the government put the spotlight on Pakistan for its support to India-focused terror groups active on Pakistani soil. It also fits in neatly with

the understanding in India that Egypt is one OIC country which has not fallen for Pakistan's propaganda campaign against India on the Kashmir issue. Modi said India and

Egypt, the most populous Arab country, were worried about the spread of terrorism happening around the world and that they're unanimous in the opinion that terrorism remained the

most serious security threat to humanity. "Both countries also agree that concerted action is necessary to end cross-border terrorism. And for this, together we will continue to

try to alert the international community," said Modi.