Presently on a two-day State Visit to Israel, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi
while addressing a Special Plenary of the Knesset in Jerusalem on February 25,
2026, called for early finalization of an ambitious Free Trade Agreement to
realize the untapped trade potential between the two countries.
On 24th February 2026, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush
Goyal, met the visiting Israeli delegation and emphasized that
both sides should work closely to unlock new opportunities in trade, innovation,
and growth, thereby further strengthening the valued partnership between the
two countries. He encouraged both sides to strive towards a modern,
comprehensive, and future-ready trade agreement.
During the four-day
negotiations, both countries engaged in discussions covering a wide range of
areas, including trade in goods and services, rules of origin, sanitary and
phytosanitary measures, technical barriers to trade, customs procedures,
intellectual property rights, digital trade, and other key chapters. Discussions were held in a constructive and
forward-looking manner, with both sides reaffirming their objective of
negotiating a comprehensive, balanced, and mutually beneficial agreement. Both
sides also agreed to continue inter-sessional engagements virtually. The next
round of in-person negotiations will be held in May 2026 in Israel.
Bilateral
merchandise trade between the two countries stood at approximately USD 3.62
billion in FY 2024–25. The proposed FTA offers a valuable opportunity to
enhance trade flows by providing a stable and predictable framework for
businesses in both India and Israel. Both sides noted the untapped potential in
key sectors, including machinery, chemicals, textiles, agriculture, medical
devices, and advanced technologies. The successful conclusion of the first
round reflects a shared commitment to deepen economic partnership and creating
new opportunities for stakeholders.