Nearly three years ago in 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited Egypt to hold a meeting with his counterpart Mostafa Madbouly in Cairo. During this meeting, the two sides had planned to push their bilateral trade to $12 billion within the next five years, from somewhere around $7 billion then.
Continuing their commitment to working together for the progress of both, India and Egypt have reaffirmed their growing strategic convergence after holding the 14th round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in Cairo. Both the sides reviewed the steady expansion of bilateral ties since the relationship was elevated to a Strategic Partnership in 2023.
The talks reflected the shared intent of New Delhi and Cairo to translate political momentum into tangible cooperation across trade, investment, technology, culture and multilateral engagement.
14th India-Egypt FOC: Who let the latest consultations?
The Foreign Office Consultations were co-chaired by Neena Malhotra, Secretary (South) from the Indian side, and Ambassador Amr Hamza, Egypt’s Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs. Both sides expressed satisfaction over the trajectory of bilateral relations, noting that regular exchanges have provided renewed direction to the partnership.
“Both sides reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral strategic partnership and discussed possible cooperation to take this forward. They also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest,” the Ministry of External Affairs said on X.
How have India-Egypt ties evolved since 2023?
India-Egypt relations entered a new phase after being elevated to a Strategic Partnership in 2023, a move aimed at broadening cooperation beyond traditional political engagement.
The consultations acknowledged the impetus generated by the inaugural India–Egypt Strategic Dialogue, co-chaired by India’s External Affairs Minister and Egypt’s Foreign Minister in New Delhi in October 2025, which set the framework for sector-specific collaboration.
How has the progress been under India-Egypt strategic partnership?
Officials reviewed the implementation of the India–Egypt Strategic Partnership Agreement signed in 2023 across its various pillars. Both sides welcomed continued high-level political engagement and reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation in identified focus areas, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.
The discussions highlighted the steady growth in bilateral trade, currently valued at around $5 billion, while noting the significant potential for further expansion.
Indian investments in Egypt have also crossed $5 billion, with additional proposals under consideration in sectors such as healthcare, fertilisers, green energy and hospitality. India, in turn, encouraged greater Egyptian investment, underscoring improvements in the ease of doing business and emerging opportunities in the Indian market.
How are India and Egypt boosting cultural and people-to-people links?
India welcomed Egypt’s participation as a Partner Country at the ongoing Suraj Kund Mela 2026 in Haryana and appreciated the involvement of over 30,000 Egyptian students in the Glimpses of India Painting Competition 2025. The two sides emphasised the potential for closer cultural exchanges and enhanced tourism cooperation.
Meanwhile, India and Egypt have agreed to hold the next round of Foreign Office Consultations in India at a mutually convenient date.