India and Israel formally kicked off negotiations for a long-pending Free Trade Agreement (FTA), with Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal calling the move a &ldquo;first crucial step&rdquo; toward a deeper, more modern partnership. Signing the Terms of Reference in Tel Aviv alongside Israel&rsquo;s Economy Minister Nir Barkat, Goyal said the pact would serve as a &ldquo;stepping stone to our shared prosperity&rdquo; as both nations expand economic and strategic engagement.
<h3 data-start="1202" data-end="1277">Goyal: Aim Is a &lsquo;Balanced, Comprehensive, Mutually Beneficial&rsquo; Deal</h3>
Goyal emphasised that the joint effort is aimed at crafting a balanced agreement that broadens bilateral trade while respecting sectoral sensitivities. &ldquo;Our joint aim is to diversify and enhance bilateral trade by identifying new areas of cooperation,&rdquo; he said. Both sides are looking to leverage complementarities in fields ranging from innovation and agriculture to high-tech manufacturing and clean energy.
<h3 data-start="1689" data-end="1760">CEOs Forum Highlights Synergies From Defence to Digital Economy</h3>
During the India-Israel CEOs Forum held in Tel Aviv, business leaders from both countries explored collaborations across agriculture, water management, healthcare, defence production, infrastructure, digital economy, and advanced manufacturing. Goyal noted that the two economies share natural synergies and that an FTA would help unlock new opportunities in high-growth sectors.
<h3 data-start="2142" data-end="2201">Push to Boost Trade, Investment and the Gems Sector</h3>
At a gala hosted by Minister Barkat, Goyal met key industry bodies and interacted with India&rsquo;s diamond merchant community in Israel, acknowledging their role in strengthening commercial ties. He said both governments are committed to expanding trade and investment flows. &ldquo;We remain committed to leveraging each other&rsquo;s strengths to deliver a mutually beneficial outcome,&rdquo; he posted on X.

India–Israel FTA Talks Take Major Step Forward

Goyal says new trade pact will deepen economic, strategic ties across key growth sectors

India–Israel FTA Talks Take Major Step Forward

Goyal says new trade pact will deepen economic, strategic ties across key growth sectors

November 21, 2025 | 16:47 IST