India and Israel to Restart Free Trade Pact Negotiations

India and Israel formally agreed on Thursday to restart negotiations on a long-pending Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

The move aims to build upon the already strong economic ties between the nations; India is currently Israel's second-largest trade partner in Asia.

Prior to this agreement, the two countries had previously engaged in efforts to finalize a similar pact, holding eight rounds of talks before negotiations stalled. The decision to resume talks signals a renewed commitment to deepening bilateral trade and economic cooperation.

"Together with Nir Barkat, Minister of Economy and Industry of Israel, I signed the Terms of Reference (ToR) to guide the negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) between India and Israel today," Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said on X.

Earlier on Wednesday, a press release for India's Commerce Ministry confirmed that Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal is on a three-day official visit to Israel from November 20 to 22, 2025, on the invitation of Israeli Minister of Economy and Industry Nir Barkat.  

The visit aims to strengthen the growing strategic and economic partnership between the two nations.
Goyal will be accompanied by a 60-member business delegation representing CII, FICCI, Assocham and Start-up India, reflecting the enhanced industry-to-industry engagement between the two countries.

According to the Commerce Ministry, Goyal is scheduled to hold high-level bilateral meetings with senior Israeli leadership, including Barkat and other key ministers. The discussions will focus on boosting trade and investment ties and expanding cooperation in sectors such as agriculture, water, defence, emerging technologies, life sciences, advanced manufacturing and infrastructure. 

The two sides are also expected to review progress on the proposed India-Israel Free Trade Agreement (FTA). During the visit, Goyal will address the India-Israel Business Forum, which will bring together leading business associations and industry representatives from both nations. 

The programme will feature plenary sessions, technical discussions and B2B engagements aimed at promoting investments, expanding commercial linkages and exploring joint venture opportunities. The fourth edition of the CEOs Forum will also be convened.

In addition, the minister will hold interactions with senior executives from major Israeli companies working in fields such as agriculture, desalination, waste-water treatment, cyber security, smart mobility and infrastructure, in addition to meeting prominent Israeli investors.

Goyal's schedule also includes visits to key innovation hubs and institutions in Tel Aviv, offering insights into Israel's technology ecosystem. Cultural and community engagements, including interactions with the Indian diaspora and Indian-origin business leaders, are also planned.

The visit is expected to further deepen the longstanding partnership between India and Israel and open new avenues for collaboration across priority sectors.

Source: ANI