Guardians of Civilisation, Champions of Peace

In a reception held at ITC Maurya, New Delhi on July 8, 2025, H.E. Mr. Kamel Zayed Kamel Galal, Ambassador of Egypt to India, addressed a distinguished gathering of diplomats, policymakers, business leaders, and members of the Indian-Egyptian community to commemorate the 73rd anniversary of the Egyptian Revolution of July 23, 1952.

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Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Honourable Minister of Culture and Minister of Tourism, Government of India, graced the event as the Chief Guest.

In his keynote address, Ambassador Galal described the Revolution as “a transformative milestone, not only in Egypt’s modern history but also across Africa, the Arab world, and among all nations aspiring for freedom, justice, equality, and self-determination.” He emphasised that the July Revolution was not simply a shift in governance but the culmination of Egypt’s millennia-long journey toward building a modern, inclusive, and forward-looking state.

Reflecting on Egypt’s civilisational legacy, the Ambassador observed that “Egypt has, over the past decade, embarked on a bold and forward-looking path of national transformation. We are embracing the future while drawing upon the lessons of our past, striving to unlock the vast potential of our people and institutions.” He quoted renowned Egyptologist Toby Wilkinson to drive home the timeless spirit of his country: “The grandeur of ancient Egypt lies not in what it is, but in what it inspired.”

Ambassador Galal also reaffirmed the strong foundation and evolving growth of India-Egypt relations, which, he noted, stretch back to 2500 BCE. “It comes as no surprise that Egypt and India, two great and ancient civilisations, enjoy a very special relationship,” he said, citing historical connections that have grown stronger through trade, diplomacy, and cultural exchange.

Tracing the arc of modern political ties, he recalled the legacies of leaders like Saad Zaghloul and Mahatma Gandhi, and later, President Gamal Abdel Nasser and Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. He hailed both nations as founders of the Non-Aligned Movement, which “continues to uphold the principles of sovereign equality and multilateral cooperation.”