India seeks stronger trade and investment ties with Egypt
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal says bilateral trade of $6.5 billion is only the beginning of the partnership.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Sunday that India and Egypt must aim for a much larger trade partnership involving greater movement of goods, services, and investments. Speaking at an event organised by the Indian Community Association in Egypt (ICAE) in Cairo, Goyal noted that current bilateral trade of approximately $6.5 billion does not reflect the potential of the two economies.
According to reports from The Times of India and The Economic Times, India's exports to Egypt for 2025-26 were $3.87 billion, while imports stood at $2.60 billion. Major Indian exports include meat and poultry, petroleum products, organic chemicals, cotton, and machinery. Major imports from Egypt consist of crude petroleum, fertilisers, cotton, and mineral products.
Goyal, who is leading a 132-member business delegation on a two-day visit, stated that India wants to attract Egyptian goods and investments to ensure trade is a two-way, win-win exercise. He noted that investment flows remain limited, with India receiving $11.5 million in foreign direct investment from Egypt between April 2000 and June 2026.
The minister also discussed India's broader economic agenda of expanding free trade agreements to secure preferential market access. India has implemented pacts with nations including the UAE, Australia, and the UK, with an agreement with the European Union scheduled for signing next month.