Egyptian-Indian Talks to Localize Pharmaceutical and Vaccine Manufacturing and Expand Medical Investments Between the Two Countries
Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health and Population of Egypt, received his Indian counterpart, Jagat Prakash Nadda, Minister of Health, Chemicals, and Fertilizers, to enhance cooperation in healthcare, particularly in exchanging expertise in the pharmaceutical industry and exploring joint investment opportunities between the two countries.
Discussions on Partnerships in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing and Technology Transfer
The two sides discussed strengthening partnerships in pharmaceutical manufacturing and healthcare, and exploring joint projects between Egyptian and Indian pharmaceutical companies, especially in oncology drug production, with the aim of transferring technology and localizing the manufacturing of high-tech pharmaceuticals.
They also discussed encouraging healthcare investment through strategic agreements in the production of vaccines, oncology drugs, and biopharmaceuticals, along with technology transfer and capacity building through specialized training programs and infrastructure development.
Facilitating Pharmaceutical Investment and Coordinating Joint Efforts
The two sides discussed mechanisms to facilitate pharmaceutical investment and streamline registration, import, and export procedures. The ministers agreed on the importance of coordination between the public and private sectors, civil society, and pharmaceutical and vaccine companies in both countries to unify efforts.
The Egyptian and Indian ministers participated in the Egyptian-Indian Roundtable to explore avenues of cooperation in localizing pharmaceutical and vaccine industries and exchanging expertise. The roundtable was attended by Suresh Reddy, the Indian Ambassador to Egypt, several leaders from the Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population, and representatives of major Egyptian and Indian companies operating in the pharmaceutical, vaccine, and medical supplies sectors.
Qualitative Development in Egyptian-Indian Health Relations
The Egyptian Minister of Health affirmed that Egyptian-Indian relations are witnessing qualitative development in the fields of health, pharmaceuticals, and vaccines. He noted that the Egyptian state is giving significant attention to localizing vital industries and achieving self-sufficiency in pharmaceuticals and vaccines, in accordance with the directives of the political leadership to enhance the country's health and pharmaceutical security. He explained that Egypt possesses a comprehensive system for registering and monitoring the quality of medicines and vaccines through the Egyptian Drug Authority, in addition to a unified procurement system that provides a supportive investment climate for international companies. He noted that the Ministry is working to create lasting partnerships that contribute to building a national pharmaceutical and vaccine industry based on advanced scientific and technological foundations.
India is a strategic partner in pharmaceutical manufacturing
He stated that cooperation with India is a strategic step, especially since India is one of the world's largest producers of medicines and vaccines and possesses extensive expertise in research and development. He explained that the meeting addressed opportunities for joint manufacturing, technology transfer, and establishing partnerships between Egyptian and Indian companies to meet the needs of the local and regional markets.
The Egyptian Minister pointed out that the roundtable was convened to establish an executive framework for Egyptian-Indian cooperation in the fields of pharmaceutical, vaccine, biological, and medical supplies production. He emphasized that the Ministry welcomes all initiatives that support industrial development in the health sector, in a way that serves the goals of sustainable development.
Extensive Discussions to Activate Partnerships and Exchange Expertise
The roundtable featured extensive discussions on exchanging expertise in the fields of pharmaceuticals and vaccines, and activating partnerships between Egyptian and Indian companies. The meeting also included a comprehensive presentation from the Egyptian side on the national experience in developing the vaccine and biopharmaceutical industry.
The two sides discussed the possibility of transferring modern Indian technology in the fields of vaccine and biopharmaceutical production to Egypt, and explored cooperation in clinical research and joint development, in addition to discussing opportunities for exporting Egyptian and Indian products to African and Arab markets.
It is worth noting that the meeting and roundtable took place on the sidelines of the Indian Minister of Health’s visit to Egypt, where he arrived on an official visit at the head of a large delegation of senior officials and representatives of leading Indian companies in the fertilizer sector. He was received by Suresh Reddy, the Indian Ambassador to Egypt. The Indian Minister is attending the third edition of the World Conference on Population, Health and Development 2025, which is being held under the auspices of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, from November 12 to 15, 2025, at the St. Regis Hotel in the New Administrative Capital, under the slogan “Empowering People, Promoting Progress, Creating Opportunities.”
