In a significant step towards bolstering Indo-Israeli relations, Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal engaged in a series of high-level meetings during his visit to Tel Aviv. The centerpiece of his engagements was a meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, where Goyal conveyed warm greetings from the people of India and emphasized the potential for deeper collaboration across trade, investment, innovation, and technology.
Goyal shared the positive outcomes of the recently held Business Forum and CEOs Forum, which saw participation from business leaders of both nations. He underscored the initiation of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, a move expected to enhance economic engagement and facilitate bilateral trade. In a social media post, Goyal highlighted the breadth of discussions, stating, “Our discussions covered the full spectrum of our strategic partnership, including trade and investment, science & technology, innovation, and deeper economic engagement.”
The minister emphasized India’s robust growth story and the myriad opportunities available for Israeli partners in sectors such as science and technology, innovation, and investment. The mutual commitment to deepening economic ties and leveraging each country’s strengths for strategic and commercial collaboration was a recurring theme in the discussions.
Earlier, during his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Goyal highlighted the success of the Business Forum and CEOs Forum, which attracted over 60 members of the Indian business delegation. The visit also included a meeting with Israeli Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Avi Dichter. The discussion focused on advancing agricultural collaboration, with Dichter briefing Goyal on Israel’s 25-year food security roadmap, advanced seed-improvement strategies, and global leadership in water-reuse technologies for agriculture.
On November 20, Goyal commenced his official engagements with a meeting with Israel’s Minister of Economy, Nir Barkat. The two leaders reviewed the current trajectory of bilateral trade and explored new areas of cooperation. These engagements underscore the comprehensive nature of the Indo-Israeli partnership, extending beyond traditional areas to encompass agriculture, technology, innovation, and trade.
The implications of these discussions are far-reaching. The potential FTA between India and Israel could open new avenues for trade and investment, benefiting both economies. The focus on agricultural collaboration, particularly in areas like water-reuse technologies and seed improvement, could significantly enhance India’s agricultural productivity and food security. Moreover, the emphasis on innovation and technology exchange could drive advancements in various sectors, fostering mutual growth and development.