India & Israel Sign Bilateral Investment Agreement To Boost Economic Ties

New Delhi, Sep 9 (KNN) India and Israel on Monday signed a Bilateral Investment Agreement (BIA) in New Delhi, marking a significant milestone in the economic partnership between the two nations. 

The agreement was signed by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich in the presence of senior officials from both governments.

The pact aims to enhance bilateral investments, currently valued at around USD 800 million, by providing greater legal certainty and protection for investors. 

It establishes a minimum standard of treatment, safeguards against expropriation, and introduces an independent arbitration-based dispute resolution mechanism. 

The agreement also ensures transparency, guarantees smooth transfer of funds, and provides compensation for potential losses, while balancing investor protection with the sovereign regulatory space of both countries.

Speaking at the signing, Sitharaman highlighted India’s economic reforms over the past decade that have made it the world’s fastest-growing economy and created a favourable investment climate. 

She urged for deeper business-to-business engagement to maximise opportunities under the new framework. 

Minister Smotrich, noting the resilience of both economies amid security challenges, called for expanded cooperation in cybersecurity, defence, innovation and high-technology sectors. 

Both ministers agreed to strengthen collaboration in fintech, infrastructure, financial regulation, and digital payment systems.

(KNN Bureau)