India and Egypt expect bilateral trade to reach $12 billion in the next five years from the current $7.2 billion, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi arrived in New Delhi on a three-day visit and was the chief guest at the 2023 Republic Day celebrations.

The two countries have inked five agreements providing for cooperation in areas of culture, information technology, cyber security, youth matters and broadcasting.

Egypt is also considering allocating a special area for Indian industries in the Suez Canal Economic Zone, Press Trust of India reported, citing a joint statement.

The Indian side can arrange for the master plan, the statement added.

(Editing by Seban Scaria seban.scaria@lseg.com)