India & Israel Move Closer To Finalising FTA

New Delhi, Nov 25 (KNN) Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal concluded a three-day visit to Israel from 20–22 November 2025, holding a series of high-level engagements aimed at strengthening the strategic and economic partnership between the two countries.

A key outcome of the discussions with Economy and Industry Minister Nir Barkat was the signing of the Terms of Reference for the India–Israel Free Trade Agreement, paving the way for structured negotiations on a comprehensive and mutually beneficial trade pact. 

Meetings with Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich focused on opportunities for Indian companies in infrastructure and mining, while talks with Agriculture and Food Minister Security Avi Dichter. 

covered Israel’s food-security strategies, seed-improvement technologies and water-reuse practices.

Goyal addressed the India–Israel Business Forum and the CEOs Forum, which saw significant industry participation and facilitated over 250 business-to-business meetings. 

He highlighted India’s growing opportunities for Israeli companies across technology, agritech, water technologies, defence, fintech, pharmaceuticals, AI, quantum computing and space.

The Minister also engaged with senior leadership of Israeli companies including Check Point, IDE Technologies, NTA and Netafim to explore cooperation in cybersecurity, desalination, wastewater management, metro systems and precision agriculture. 

Goyal also interacted with the Indian business delegation, members of the Indian community, industry representatives and media from both countries. 

On the final day, Goyal briefed President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the outcomes of the Business Forum and CEOs Forum and discussed further enhancing cooperation in agriculture, water, defence, cybersecurity, science and technology and innovation. 

The accompanying Indian business delegation undertook multiple site visits, including to the Peres Center, Check Point, Sheba Hospital and local agri-farm facilities.

The visit reaffirmed the commitment of India and Israel to deepen economic engagement, expand technology-led partnerships and strengthen cooperation across strategically significant sectors, marking a forward step in the bilateral relationship.

(KNN Bureau)