India-Israel FTA Talks Advance as Modi Visits, Goyal Hails "Historic Moment"

Union Minister Piyush Goyal hailed advancing India-Israel Free Trade Agreement negotiations as a "historic and special moment," linking it to the shared vision of Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Benjamin Netanyahu. Goyal noted a productive interaction with the Israeli delegation in New Delhi, emphasizing a shared commitment to deepen economic engagement. The talks coincide with PM Modi's state visit to Israel, where he was received by Netanyahu and expressed optimism for strengthening bilateral ties. Former Israeli Minister Nir Barkat also highlighted the breakthrough potential of the FTA, crediting the leaders' strategic relationship.

Key Points: India-Israel Free Trade Agreement Negotiations Underway

  • FTA negotiations advance in New Delhi
  • Goyal cites Modi-Netanyahu shared vision
  • Visit aims to strengthen bilateral friendship
  • Deal seen as growth engine for both economies
  • Negotiations follow strategic leader relationship
2 min read

'Encouraging to see both sides working closely': Union Minister Piyush Goyal on India-Israel FTA negotiations

Union Minister Piyush Goyal says FTA talks advance as PM Modi visits Israel, calling it a historic moment to deepen economic ties.

"It is encouraging to see both sides working closely to unlock new opportunities in trade, innovation & growth - Piyush Goyal"

New Delhi, February 25

Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday noted that the shared vision of PM Modi and Israeli PM Netanyahu is translating into action as India-Israel Free Trade Agreement negotiations take place. He noted the productive interaction with the Israeli team, reflecting the commitment to deepen economic engagement.

In a post on X, Goyal said, "Building the future, together. Thank you, my dear friend. Indeed, this is a historic and special moment. As our leaders, PM @NarendraModi ji & PM @Netanyahu meet, their shared vision is steadily translating into action, with the Israeli delegation in New Delhi advancing the India-Israel Free Trade Agreement negotiations. I had a productive interaction with the Israeli team, reflecting our shared commitment to deepening economic engagement. It is encouraging to see both sides working closely to unlock new opportunities in trade, innovation & growth, further strengthening our valued partnership."

His post came responding to former Israeli Minister Nir Barkat who wrote on X ahead of PM Modi's arrival, "Making history! A photo just sent to me by the Indian Minister of Commerce and Industry, my friend @PiyushGoyal. A delegation led by the Foreign Trade Administration at the Ministry of Economy and Industry has arrived in India to launch negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement between our nations! Thanks to the strategic relationship between our leaders, @netanyahu and @narendramodi, and the friendship I have forged with Piyush, we are on the way to a breakthrough that creates great new opportunities between our countries and will serve as a powerful growth engine for the economies of Israel and India. Modi, welcome to Israel!"

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed optimism as he arrived in Israel for a two-day state-visit. He was received by PM Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara Netanyahu.

In a post on X, PM Modi said that he looked forward to engaging in bilateral discussions and fruitful outcomes that strengthen the India-Israel friendship.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
While economic ties are important, I hope our government remains mindful of the geopolitical complexities. Our foreign policy has always been about strategic autonomy. Deepening this partnership is good, but we must ensure it doesn't come at the cost of our relationships in the Gulf region, which are also crucial.
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Vikram M
Finally! We've been talking about this for years. Israeli drip irrigation tech can revolutionize farming in states like Rajasthan and Maharashtra. Hope the FTA makes such advanced equipment more affordable for our small farmers. Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan.
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Priya S
It's encouraging to see the positive tone. The focus on innovation and growth is key. As a professional in the tech sector, I'm excited about potential collaborations in cybersecurity and AI. This could create so many high-skilled job opportunities here.
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Rohit P
Good step, but the devil is in the details. We must ensure our domestic industries, especially in pharmaceuticals and textiles, are protected. The agreement should be fair and reciprocal, not one-sided. Hope our negotiators are keeping "Make in India" at the forefront.
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Michael C
The personal rapport between the leaders seems to be a real catalyst. "My dear friend" - that's quite warm diplomatic language. Strong interpersonal relationships can often smooth over bureaucratic hurdles in international deals. Interesting to watch.

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