Rose el Youssef magazine, p.99, (30-11-2008)

India and leadership of the world

By: Mervat Al Hateem

Few years ago, I visited India and I still recall this country. In Delhi, it was the first time for me to see rickshaws moving among cars in main streets. Delhi is the second most important city in India after Bombay, Bangalore, the business city, and Agra, which is 3 hours away from New Delhi by car. Taj Mahal, which was built by Shah Jahan, is embodiment of loyalty. This edifice has become a symbol for lovers and a meeting place for prayers. The red colour of the mosque's bricks contrasts with the white greyish colour of Taj Mahal and its four minarets. Kashmir, which looks like a paradise, is surrounded by mountains covered with snow in the winter. In Kashmir, people of various religions live in harmony. Nothing disturbs them but the explosions coming from the other side.

Over the past years, India managed to develop its economy, its foreign policy, its education system, and specially the field of technology which has become more advanced than that of several European countries. A report by a US intelligence agency said the world will be led by India and China in 2025 in view of the signs indicating the recession of the US hegemony over the world, whether economically, politically, developmentally or militarily. India's emergence comes in spite of the many terrorist acts it has suffered from due to the chronic issue of Kashmir.

Surely, India's success is based on human and natural factors. According to 2008 statistics, the Indian population amounts to 1 billion and 120 million. About 25% of the Indian population, 250 million, are of moderate income. Due to these two factors, the Indian market, as represented in a category of high purchasing power, is expanding.

India is one of the most important investors in Egypt. Last year, the trade exchange between Egypt and India registered $2.12 billion, increasing by 64% over 2006. The bilateral trade exchange is expected to amount to $4 billion by the end of the year. In 2007, the Indian exports to Egypt registered about $1.6 billion, comparing with $731 million in 2006, rising by 119.4%.

The Egyptian-Indian relations are as old as the 23^rd of July Revolution. The two countries share a long-run struggle against occupation. Contacts were made between the Egyptian leader Saad Zaghloul and the Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi. Egypt and India still represent the main engine of the Non-Aligned Movement. They also represent the base of the G15, a group of countries aiming at expanding common economic and technology cooperation.

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