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India-Israel FTA Talks Advance as Modi Visits, Says Ex-Envoy Carmon

Former Israeli Ambassador Daniel Carmon expressed confidence in the ongoing India-Israel Free Trade Agreement negotiations, highlighting a significant shift in India's approach to FTAs under Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal. The first round of FTA talks is currently taking place in New Delhi, marking a step to enhance economic cooperation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is concurrently on a state visit to Israel, with the primary focus being on strengthening bilateral relations. While the Gaza conflict may be discussed during the visit, Carmon does not expect concrete mediation outcomes from the talks.

Key Points: India-Israel FTA Negotiations Progress, Says Former Ambassador

  • India's FTA approach has shifted
  • Progress under Piyush Goyal's leadership
  • First round of India-Israel FTA talks underway
  • PM Modi's Israel visit focuses on bilateral ties
  • Gaza conflict may be discussed but not for mediation
2 min read

"India's attitude toward FTAs changed": Former Israeli Ambassador Carmon on India-Israel FTA negotiations

Former Israeli Ambassador Daniel Carmon notes India's changed FTA attitude under Piyush Goyal, as PM Modi visits Israel to strengthen bilateral ties.

"The attitude towards FTA has changed. Under the leadership of Minister Goyal, things are going forward. - Daniel Carmon"

Tel Aviv, February 25

Former Israeli Ambassador to India, Daniel Carmon, expressed confidence in the ongoing India-Israel Free Trade Agreement negotiations.

Carmon highlighted the significant shift in India's approach to FTAs, noting that under Minister Piyush Goyal's leadership, India has made progress with several global partners.

In an interview with ANI, Carmon said, "There has been quite a lot of progress in the way that India sees FTAs in general... The attitude towards FTA has changed. Under the leadership of Minister Goyal, things are going forward. In the same way India signed an FTA with the European Union and advanced with the GCC countries and with the United States, I hope that Israel will soon stand together with all those important countries as a good friend of India."

"The Israeli market is so small compared to others that things will not be influenced by movements of trade that have to do with Israel. People don't have to be scared to sign an FTA as soon as possible," he said.

The first round of negotiations for the India-Israel Free Trade Agreement (FTA) commenced in New Delhi on Monday and is scheduled to take place until February 26.

Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, on Tuesday, met a delegation from Israel who are in India for the first round of India-Israel Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations and said these mark an important step towards enhancing bilateral trade and economic cooperation.

Further, Carmon acknowledged that the Gaza conflict may come up during Prime Minister Modi's visit to Israel, but stressed that no concrete outcomes, such as mediation, were expected.

He said that the primary focus of the visit would be on strengthening bilateral ties between India and Israel.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will undertake a State visit to Israel on February 25-26, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Tuesday.

"I'm sure the conversation will be there. Specifically results, I don't think so. Except maybe some kind of declaration, probably. But I'm pretty sure that the conversation between India and Israel has to do with bilateral perspectives... but not specifically mediate or get involved in this. I don't think that it will happen, and I don't think it's a good idea," he said.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While economic ties are important, I hope the government remains mindful of the geopolitical sensitivities. The article mentions the Gaza conflict. India's foreign policy has always balanced relationships carefully. Let's hope this FTA is purely about trade and mutual growth.
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Priya S
Good move! Israel has amazing agricultural and water management tech. Our farmers could really benefit from knowledge transfer and cheaper access to drip irrigation systems. Hope the agreement has strong clauses for technology sharing.
R
Rohit P
The ambassador is right that the Israeli market is small, but the quality of trade matters more than size. Their innovation ecosystem is world-class. This could open doors for Indian IT and pharma companies in a high-value market.
M
Michael C
Respectfully, I have some concerns. We must ensure our domestic manufacturers, especially in sectors like electronics and chemicals, are protected. FTAs are good, but the fine print is everything. Hope the negotiators are putting "India First."
K
Kavya N
PM Modi's visit timing is interesting. Focusing on bilateral ties is smart. India has its own foreign policy and shouldn't be drawn into other conflicts. Jai Hind! 🙏

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