Union Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh arrived in Cairo in the wee hours of Monday as India’s special representative to attend the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit. This multilateral meet is aimed at consolidating the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and laying the groundwork for long-term peace in Gaza.
Taking to microblogging site X, Singh shared his arrival update, writing, “Arrived in the historic city of Cairo as special representative of Prime Minister @narendramodi to attend the Gaza Peace Summit at Sharm el-Sheikh.”
The summit, scheduled for Monday, will be co-chaired by US President Donald Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had reportedly received a personal invitation from Trump and al-Sisi to attend the summit. New Delhi has, however, chosen to send Kirti Vardhan Singh as its special representative.
Leaders from more than 20 countries are expected to attend, including Spain, Japan, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Hungary, El Salvador, Cyprus, Greece, Bahrain, Kuwait, Canada, India, and Pakistan, with Iran also invited.
Israel will, however, not participate.
Notably, the much-anticipated gathering comes in the wake of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which took effect on Friday following three days of intensive negotiations mediated by Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and the U.S
The first phase of the ceasefire includes Israeli troop withdrawals from Gaza City, Rafah, Khan Younis, and northern Gaza, the opening of five humanitarian crossings, and the release of hostages and prisoners. The Rafah crossing is expected to reopen by mid-next week, with limited civilian movement.
According to the Egyptian presidency, the summit aims to “end the war in the Gaza Strip, enhance efforts to bring peace and stability to the Middle East, and usher in a new phase of regional security.” The meeting has also been described as part of President Trump’s broader efforts to promote peace and resolve global conflicts.
French President Emmanuel Macron is also expected in Egypt on Monday to express support for the ceasefire and coordinate with other leaders on implementing the peace plan, underscoring the global commitment to stabilising the region and addressing humanitarian needs.
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