Ashraf AboArafe
The Embassy of India in Cairo organized a two-day exhibition (October 2–3, 2025) titled “The Human Cost of Terrorism” at India House in Zamalek, marking the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on October 2 — celebrated globally as the International Day of Non-Violence.
On the opening day, Dr. Amr El-Wardany, Secretary of Fatwa and Director of Training at Dar al-Ifta al-Misriyyah, graced the event as the Guest of Honour, representing Grand Mufti Dr. Shawki Allam. The inauguration was attended by prominent Egyptian officials, ambassadors, former ministers, university heads, research center directors, media leaders, UN representatives, members of the Indian community, and journalists.
In his keynote remarks, Dr. El-Wardany shed light on how terrorists exploit religion, politics, and social grievances to advance their agendas, stressing the need for collective action to eradicate extremism. He highlighted Egypt’s extensive experience in countering terrorism and the vital role of institutions such as Dar al-Ifta in combating radical ideologies and promoting the values of peace and coexistence.
For his part, Ambassador Saurabh Kumar Reddy spoke about the devastating human toll of terrorism and reaffirmed India’s principled stance against it in all its forms. He reiterated India’s unwavering support for the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people, recalling that India was among the first non-Arab nations to recognize the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in the 1970s and the State of Palestine in 1988.
The Ambassador noted that India has been a consistent partner in providing developmental and humanitarian aid to Palestine, both bilaterally and through the UNRWA, contributing around USD 170 million over the years. He also emphasized the deep and ongoing cooperation between India and Egypt in combating terrorism and violent extremism.
Former Foreign Minister Ambassador Mohamed El-Orabi and former Egyptian Ambassador to India Ambassador Mohamed Higazy reflected on Gandhi’s enduring message of peace, calling for an urgent global rejection of violence and radicalism.
All speakers echoed a shared sentiment — that Egypt and India have both suffered from terrorism for decades, and that joint counterterrorism cooperation remains a cornerstone of their strategic partnership.
Guests toured the interactive exhibition, which documented major terrorist attacks in India and across the world, reinforcing the profound message that “Terrorism anywhere is terrorism everywhere.” A dedicated section showcased the deep solidarity between India and Egypt, featuring highlights such as President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s call to Prime Minister Narendra Modi following the Pahalgam attack in April 2025.
The exhibition continued on October 3, welcoming members of the Indian diaspora, Egyptian visitors, academics, students, and journalists. Attendees engaged deeply with the exhibits, reflecting on the collective determination required to stand united against the global scourge of terrorism.
