Egypt and India in an ambitious plan are looking forward to an exponential increase in bilateral trade volume, from the current $3 billion to $10 billion.  For the uninitiated, India and Egypt share a 2500-year old diplomatic relationship.

In light of this development, President Hosni Mubarak, flew down to India last year, to further economic relations.  This year, Indian Prime Minister Mr Manmohan Singh met the Eyptian President at Sharm El-Sheikh during the summit for Non-Aligned Movement.

In the recent past, trade relationship between both the nations have been blooming and blossoming. In 2004-05, trade between the two countries totaled $684.7 million. In 2006-07, it grew to around $1.96 billion. A year later it grew more than 50 % to $3.38 billion.

Both India and Egypt have been surprisingly enjoying robust growth, despite developed nations wilting under the pressure of global economic slowdown.

India’s is seemingly interested in tapping Egypt’s expertise in number of areas; however, the country’s principal focus is on infrastructure development and desert agricultural methods.

Egypt exports to India primarily include oil and gas. Both countries however seem inclined towards renewable energy sources. 

India at present produces 8% of its energy from renewable sources and hopefully, in the future it’s aspiring to achieve 20%.  Egypt too shares the same vision as India.  Going forward, the two countries might work together in the energy domain.    

Both countries are even looking forward to work together on Egypt’s nuclear aspirations.

The two countries have also come up with number of programs to expand cultural relations. Alexandria University has associated with seven universities in India in an endeavour to give students international exposure.

The Maulana Azad Center for Indian Culture, incorporated 30 years ago, has played a significant role in continual cultural exchange.