India-Israel Launch FTA Talks as Goyal Meets President Herzog
Union Minister Piyush Goyal met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, marking a significant step forward in bilateral relations with the launch of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations. The discussions focused on strengthening the strategic partnership across trade, investment, and technology.
Key Outcomes
- Formal launch of India-Israel Free Trade Agreement negotiations
- Positive review of recent Business Forum and CEOs Forum outcomes
- Emphasis on collaboration in science, technology, and innovation sectors
- Discussion of India’s growth story and opportunities for Israeli investors
In a social media post, Goyal stated: “Honoured to call on H.E. @Isaac_Herzog, President of the State of Israel. Conveyed the warm greetings of the people of India. Our discussions covered the full spectrum of our strategic partnership, including trade and investment, science & technology, innovation, and deeper economic engagement.”
Expanding Agricultural Cooperation
During meetings with Israeli Agriculture Minister Avi Dichter, Goyal explored advanced agricultural technologies. Minister Dichter presented Israel’s 25-year food security roadmap and the country’s leadership in water-reuse technologies for farming.
Strengthening Economic Ties
The visit included meetings with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Economy Minister Barkat, where both sides reviewed bilateral trade trends and identified new cooperation areas. The Business Forum attracted over 60 Indian business leaders, signaling strong commercial interest.
The FTA negotiations represent a major milestone in India-Israel relations, with potential to significantly boost bilateral trade and economic engagement between the two nations.
