Egypt and India have discussed strengthening cooperation in defence, technology and counterterrorism as part of broader efforts to deepen bilateral ties on the sidelines of a BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting, officials said Thursday.
Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar met in New Delhi, where they reviewed opportunities for expanding collaboration in strategic sectors, including innovation, security and industrial development.
The talks come as emerging economies within the BRICS grouping seek to reinforce economic and geopolitical cooperation amid global uncertainty and supply chain disruptions.
BRICS, originally comprising BRICS members Brazil, Russia, India and China, has expanded in recent years to include additional countries such as Egypt, reflecting its growing influence in global economic and political affairs.
During the meeting, both ministers discussed ways to enhance cooperation in defence and security, including counterterrorism coordination and improved information sharing, according to statements from Egyptian officials.
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The discussions also covered technology and innovation partnerships, with a focus on expanding collaboration in digital industries and advanced manufacturing.
Abdelatty highlighted opportunities for industrial localisation linked to the global energy transition, including the production of components for renewable energy systems and green hydrogen projects.
He also pointed to potential cooperation in textiles and ready-made garments, sectors where Egypt is seeking to expand export capacity and attract foreign investment.
The Egyptian foreign minister encouraged Indian companies to increase investment in Egypt, particularly within the Suez Canal Economic Zone, which authorities say offers strategic access to regional and international markets along with investment incentives.
India, a key member of BRICS and one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies, has been expanding its global trade and investment footprint, including in Africa and the Middle East, as part of its broader economic diplomacy strategy.
The meeting took place against a backdrop of heightened global economic pressure linked to geopolitical tensions and disruptions to energy and shipping routes.
Officials said the ongoing instability has affected global supply chains, increased energy costs and slowed trade flows, prompting BRICS members to seek deeper coordination.
Abdelatty, speaking during a BRICS session, said Egypt aimed to strengthen economic cooperation within the bloc and advance joint projects in energy, manufacturing, infrastructure and advanced technology.
Analysts say the growing engagement between countries such as Egypt and India reflects a broader trend within BRICS toward building alternative partnerships in trade, investment and industrial development, particularly among emerging economies seeking to reduce dependence on traditional Western markets.
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The latest talks underscore both countries’ interest in leveraging their respective strengths — Egypt’s strategic geographic position and India’s technology and manufacturing capabilities — to expand economic ties in an increasingly fragmented global economy.
