Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hosted India’s Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, at the Prime Minister’s Office in Jerusalem today. The meeting marked the conclusion of Goyal’s three-day official visit to Israel, aimed at bolstering bilateral economic ties amid ongoing global uncertainties.
Goyal conveyed warm wishes from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Netanyahu, emphasizing the shared vision for deeper strategic collaboration. Netanyahu reciprocated by highlighting the “strengthening strategic partnership” between the two nations, focusing on mutual growth.
Discussions centered on expanding investments, fostering innovation, and advancing trade relations. Netanyahu specifically praised the potential for “more investments, more innovation, and a strong economic corridor from India through Israel to Europe,” referring to the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) as a game-changer for connectivity and commerce.
Goyal briefed Netanyahu on the successful signing of the Terms of Reference (TOR) for India-Israel Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, finalized earlier during the visit on November 20. The FTA is planned in two phases to expedite benefits for businesses, targeting sectors like agriculture, water management, defense, science, technology, and innovation. This move is expected to boost bilateral trade, which currently stands at around $10-12 billion annually, and open new opportunities in R&D and talent exchange.
The meeting followed Goyal’s interactions with Israeli Economy Minister Nir Barkat, Agriculture Minister Avi Dichter, and President Isaac Herzog. Key outcomes included insights into Israel’s 25-year food security roadmap, advanced seed technologies, and water-reuse innovations—areas ripe for Indian collaboration. Over 60 Indian business leaders participated in CEOs and Business Forums, underscoring the visit’s commercial momentum.
