How are India-Egypt ties fostering collaboration in EV, renewables, and fintech?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Strengthened bilateral ties between India and Egypt.
- Focus on electric vehicles and renewable energy.
- Investment opportunities in the Suez Canal Economic Zone.
- Collaboration in startups and fintech.
- Discussions on defence and counterterrorism.
New Delhi, Oct 18 (NationPress) The strategic dialogue between India and Egypt is set to strengthen their bilateral partnership, unlocking vast opportunities for collaboration in areas such as electric vehicles, food security, defence, technology, and start-ups, according to a recent report.
The potential for enhancing relations is significant, particularly in emerging sectors like startups, renewable energy, artificial intelligence, fintech, and electric vehicles. Muddassir Qamar, an associate professor at the Center for West Asian Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University, emphasized that investments, energy, and defence collaborations are key areas of focus, as reported by Arab News.
Egypt is eager for investment from Indian companies to satisfy local market demands and boost exports, especially through the Suez Canal Economic Zone, which provides extensive investment incentives along with various tax and customs exemptions.
Following their inaugural strategic dialogue, both countries are looking to enhance cooperation in startups, fintech, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence, as expressed by Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar.
During a two-day visit to New Delhi, Egyptian Foreign Minister Dr. Badr Abdelatty co-chaired this strategic dialogue with Jaishankar.
Jaishankar acknowledged the strengthened partnership since the establishment of the India-Egypt Strategic Partnership in 2023, highlighting discussions on boosting collaboration in political, economic, defence, maritime, and counterterrorism domains.
Anil Trigunayat, a former ambassador with experience in the Middle East and Europe, mentioned that both nations agreed to explore opportunities in digital public infrastructure, fintech, pharmaceuticals, start-ups, and innovations, in addition to investments in renewable energy.
Pointing to the Suez Canal Economic Zone as a significant investment prospect for Indian firms, Egyptian Foreign Minister Abdelatty expressed interest in establishing an Indian industrial zone near the Gulf of Suez, northwest of the Red Sea.