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Egypt Eyes $30B Trade Potential with India, Ambassador Sets $12B Goal

Egypt's Ambassador to India, Kamel Zayed Kamel Galal, has stated the real trade potential between the two nations is at least $30 billion annually, with an immediate goal to raise current $5 billion trade to $12 billion. He highlighted India's understanding of Egypt's regional positions following high-level diplomatic talks. The upcoming India-Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting in New Delhi is seen as a key forum for addressing shared geopolitical challenges. Recent ministerial discussions have focused on strengthening collaboration in pharmaceuticals, healthcare, technology, and tourism.

Key Points: Egypt-India Trade Potential $30B, Says Ambassador

  • $30B annual trade potential cited
  • Current trade at $5B, $12B interim target
  • Upcoming India-Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting
  • Strategic partnership discussions cover pharma, tech, tourism
  • Historical ties since 1947, NAM founders
3 min read

"Real potential for our economies not less than $30 billion per year": Egypt's Ambassador to India

Egypt's Ambassador to India targets raising bilateral trade to $12B, citing a real potential of at least $30B annually. Details on strategic talks.

"the real potential for our two economies is not less than $30 billion per year - Kamel Zayed Kamel Galal"

New Delhi, January 23

Egypt's Ambassador to India, Kamel Zayed Kamel Galal, after addressing the press here on Egypt-India bilateral relations, said that the real trade potential between India and Egypt is not less than $30 billion per year, adding that efforts were underway to raise bilateral trade to $12 billion from the current level of $5 billion.

On Thursday, Galal told ANI, "The potential of our relationship, whether in trade or in any other field, is beyond the sky. This is what I'm going to work on during my tenure here. I have an objective of bringing trade to $12 billion, up from $5 billion. I'm much more ambitious than this. I will be working on that because the real potential for our two economies is not less than $30 billion per year."

The ambassador also spoke about India's understanding of Egypt's positions on regional issues. "Our foreign minister was here in October and had a very clear discussion with Minister Jaishankar, the prime minister, and other officials, and he gave a complete explanation of the current situation in the Middle East to the Indian leadership. I'm sure the Indian leadership understands the Egyptian position, and they are largely in line with it regarding regional development," he added.

Galal highlighted the significance of the upcoming 2nd India-Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting, scheduled to be held in New Delhi on January 30-31, 2026.

"This is a very important opportunity for Arab countries and India to get together to speak in one language and to exchange views regarding the geopolitical and geoeconomic challenges that we are facing as well as the opportunities that is open for us together," he said.

On January 16, Union Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh met Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and held wide-ranging discussions aimed at further strengthening the Strategic Partnership.

"Pleased to meet H.E. Badr Abdelatty, Foreign Minister of Egypt, and held wide-ranging discussions on strengthening - Strategic Partnership. Discussions also covered forthcoming India-Arab Foreign Ministerial Meeting, strengthening of India-Egypt collaboration in pharmaceuticals and healthcare, trade, investments, technology & tourism," MoS Singh posted on X.

India and Egypt, two of the world's oldest civilisations, have enjoyed a history of close contact from ancient times.

The joint announcement of the establishment of diplomatic relations at the Ambassadorial level was made on 18 August 1947. Both countries have cooperated closely in multilateral fora and were the founding members of the Non-Aligned Movement in 1961.

Since the 1980's, there have been regular high-level bilateral visits between India and Egypt.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good to see the diplomatic push. But we need to ensure our exports are diversified beyond just generic medicines. Let's also push for more Egyptian investments in Indian infrastructure.
R
Rohit P
The historical connection is strong, but trade has been underperforming for years. Hope this ambassador's ambition translates into real action. Faster clearances at ports and better trade agreements are needed.
S
Sarah B
As someone working in international trade, this is a very realistic target. The complementarity between our economies is stark. Egypt needs our tech and pharma, we need their strategic location and agricultural products.
M
Meera T
Tourism is a massive untapped area! Direct flights from more Indian cities to Cairo and Sharm el-Sheikh can boost people-to-people contact. Our ancient civilizations have so much to share.
D
David E
While the $30 billion figure is ambitious, I appreciate the ambassador's directness. It shows a real commitment. The alignment on regional issues is crucial for long-term stability and trade.
K
Karthik V
We must be cautious. Big numbers are announced often. The proof will be in simplifying the actual process for small and medium businesses to trade. Bureaucracy on both sides needs to reduce.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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