Bonaparte, after two months of planning, decides…

Bonaparte, after two months of planning, decides France's naval power is not yet strong enough to confront the Royal Navy in the English Channel and proposes a military expedition to seize Egypt and thereby undermine Britain's access to its trade interests in India.

Bonaparte wishes to establish a French presence in the Middle East, with the ultimate dream of linking with a Muslim enemy of the British in India, Tipu Sultan.

Napoleon assures the Directory that "as soon as he had conquered Egypt, he will establish relations with the Indian princes and, together with them, attack the English in their possessions."

According to a February 1798 report by Talleyrand: "Having occupied and fortified Egypt, we shall send a force of 15,000 men from Suez to India, to join the forces of Tipu-Sahib and drive away the English." (Amini, Iradj (2000). Napoleon and Persia. Taylor & Francis)

The Directory agrees in order to secure a trade route to India.