India-Israel Free Trade Talks Begin in Delhi Ahead of PM Modi’s Israel Visit

India and Israel have launched the first round of negotiations for a proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in New Delhi, marking a major step toward strengthening bilateral economic cooperation. The talks come just ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to Israel and signal growing momentum in strategic and trade relations between the two nations.

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met an Israeli delegation in New Delhi and described the negotiations as a key milestone in expanding economic ties. He stated that the proposed agreement aims to create new opportunities for businesses, enhance market access, and strengthen trade cooperation for mutual growth.

Trade and technical experts from both countries are conducting detailed discussions on a wide range of issues. These include trade in goods and services, rules of origin, sanitary and phytosanitary standards, technical barriers to trade, customs procedures, trade facilitation, and intellectual property rights. Officials say the comprehensive agenda reflects the intention to build a modern and balanced trade framework.

Israeli Economy and Industry Minister Nir Barkat welcomed the development, calling it a breakthrough moment that could unlock new economic opportunities and serve as a powerful growth engine for both economies.

Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to arrive in Israel later in the day, where he will hold bilateral talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Discussions are expected to cover defence cooperation, trade expansion, agricultural technology, and collaboration in science and innovation.

Ahead of the visit, Netanyahu highlighted India as a core partner in a proposed regional cooperation framework described as a “hexagon of alliances,” aimed at strengthening strategic coordination in the region.

Strategic Partnership Since 2017

India–Israel relations were elevated to a strategic partnership during Prime Minister Modi’s landmark visit in 2017. Since then, cooperation has expanded across multiple sectors, including defence, cybersecurity, agriculture, water management, scientific research, and innovation.

Defence collaboration remains a key pillar of the partnership, with Israel supplying advanced defence systems and technology to India. Meanwhile, economic engagement between the two countries has steadily increased, supported by growing trade volumes and investment flows.

In recent months, both nations have taken steps to deepen economic cooperation. During Minister Goyal’s visit to Israel in November, the two sides signed the terms of reference to formally begin FTA negotiations. Earlier, they also concluded a Bilateral Investment Agreement aimed at boosting trade and strengthening investment protection frameworks.

The launch of FTA talks reflects the shared vision of both countries to enhance economic resilience, support innovation-driven growth, and expand strategic cooperation in an evolving global trade environment.