Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reportedly received an invitation from US President Donald Trump and Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to attend a peace summit in Sharm-el Sheikh on Monday, October 13. Sources told The Indian Express that the invitation came at the last minute on Saturday.
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has not yet confirmed whether PM Modi will participate in the summit, which will likely discuss ending the war in the Gaza Strip and promoting stability in the Middle East.
PM Modi invited to peace summit in Egypt
According to a spokesperson for the Egyptian Presidency, the summit will be held on Monday afternoon under the joint chairmanship of Trump and al-Sisi. Leaders from more than 20 countries are expected to attend. “The summit aims to end the war in Gaza, strengthen efforts to establish peace and stability in the Middle East, and open a new chapter of regional security,” the statement said. It added that the summit is a part of President Trump’s vision to achieve peace in the region amid his continued efforts to resolve global conflicts. “This summit comes in light of US President Donald Trump’s vision to achieve peace in the region, and his relentless quest to end conflicts around the world,” the statement read further.
If PM Modi attends, it would provide a chance for him to meet President Trump and discuss India’s relationship with Egypt. Analysts say it will also allows India to show support for the Palestinian cause and clarify its role in Middle East peace efforts, while showing active engagement on global issues.
US Ambassador-designate visits New Delhi
The invitation comes shortly after US Ambassador-designate Sergio Gor met Prime Minister Modi on Saturday, after which Trump announced Gor as the next United States Ambassador to India. Gor said that Trump considers PM Modi a good and personal friend, despite recent tensions in bilateral relations, including 50% US tariffs and increased H-1B visa fees.
“The US values its relationship with India, and under the strong leadership of President Donald J Trump and Prime Minister Modi, I’m optimistic about the days ahead for both of our nations. President Trump considers Prime Minister Modi a great and personal friend. In fact, just before I left for New Delhi, they had an incredible phone call. And that is something that will continue over the weeks and months ahead,” he said.
Gor said that after his arrival, he met with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, discussing a range of issues, including critical minerals. “We hit the ground running. We had a great series of including with Foreign Secretary Misri, with the External Affairs Minister, Dr. Jaishankar, and with the National Security Advisor, Doval. And we just finished an incredible meeting with Prime Minister Modi, where we discussed bilateral issues, including defense, trade, technology. We also discussed the importance of critical minerals and the importance of that to both of our nations,” he said. Last month, during his Senate confirmation hearings, Gor described India as a strategic partner whose trajectory will shape the region and beyond.