India and Egypt are exploring new avenues for cooperation in coastal city development as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral ties, Indian Ambassador to Cairo Suresh K. Reddy said on Sunday. Speaking to Amwal Al Ghad English on the sidelines of the 10th Builders of Egypt Forum, Reddy praised the forum's focus on sustainable urban growth and said the topic aligns closely with shared challenges and opportunities between both nations. "This is a challenge that India and Egypt share," Reddy noted, citing India's vast 10,000-kilometre coastline and major cities situated along it. Reddy said discussions are underway on potential initiatives, adding: "I believe this area will become a key pillar of our bilateral partnership moving forward." On trade, Reddy said India-Egypt trade surpassed $5 billion in the first half of 2025, and called for an increase in Egyptian exports, particularly in agriculture. With India's population of 1.4 billion and status as the world's fourth-largest economy, Egypt has a significant opportunity to expand its market share, he said. Reddy also pointed to increasing Indian investments in Egypt, calling them a growing success story. He revealed that the largest single foreign direct investment (FDI) in Egypt is by an Indian company, without naming it explicitly. In 2024 alone, more than six or seven Indian companies have entered the Egyptian market, and that number is set to rise, he said. "Currently, over 50 to 60 Indian companies have invested in Egypt, employing more than 45,000 Egyptians." Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English Subediting: Y.Yasser
