Egypt and India are exploring new avenues for cooperation and joint investment in the gas, mining, and petrochemical industries, officials from both countries said following a high-level meeting in Cairo on Wednesday. Egypt's Petroleum and Mineral Resources Minister Karim Badawy met with India's Minister of Health, Chemicals, and Fertilisers Jagat Prakash Nadda accompanied by Indian Ambassador Suresh K. Reddy, and a delegation of Indian business leaders attending the 3rd Global Congress on Population, Health, and Human Development (PHDC'25) in Cairo. According to a ministry statement, Badawy said the talks built on the outcomes of the first Egypt–India Strategic Dialogue launched in October, emphasising the two nations' deep historical ties and shared commitment to expanding cooperation in energy, industry, and trade. He noted that Egypt is ramping up local fertiliser production through new plants to bolster food security — a move that could open new trade opportunities with India. Badawy also proposed establishing joint ventures spanning exploration, manufacturing, and exports to Indian, European, and African markets. Minister Nadda said India is eager to strengthen collaboration in petrochemicals and phosphate fertilisers as part of efforts to safeguard its food supply. He added that Indian companies plan to expand partnerships with Egyptian petroleum firms and explore additional investment opportunities. Ambassador Reddy highlighted India's growing presence in Egypt, where dozens of Indian companies are already operating, and said the delegation aims to sign long-term cooperation agreements. Indian company representatives praised Egypt's recent improvements to its investment climate, particularly in the gas and mining sectors, and voiced interest in expanding direct investments. The two sides agreed to form a joint working group to advance industrial and trade cooperation. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English
