Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal’s visit to Israel concluded with a series of high-level engagements aimed at strengthening the India–Israel strategic and economic partnership. He wrapped up a productive three-day visit to the West Asian country, where he met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
During his visit, Minister Goyal held discussions with Israel’s Minister of Economy and Industry, Nir Barkat, on the Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
A key highlight of the visit was the signing of the Terms of Reference for the India–Israel Free Trade Agreement, marking an important step toward structured negotiations for a balanced and mutually beneficial outcome.
Further, the discussions with Israel’s Minister of Finance, Bezalel Smotrich, covered the opportunities for Indian companies in the fields of infrastructure and mining and the opportunities for the Indian workers in Israel.
Goyal also held discussions with Israel’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Avi Dichter, on Israel’s long-term food security strategy, seed-improvement technologies, and leadership in agricultural water reuse.
The minister also participated in the India–Israel Business Forum and CEOs Forum, which saw strong industry participation from both sides, and over 250 B2B meetings were also held.
In his remarks, Goyal underscored India’s vast potential for Israeli innovators and businesses, particularly in technology, agritech, water tech, defence, science and technology, fintech, AI, quantum computing, pharmaceuticals, and space.
Minister Goyal also held interactions with leadership from leading Israeli companies, including Check Point, IDE Technologies, NTA, and Netafim, focusing on partnerships in cybersecurity, desalination and wastewater management, metro and urban mobility solutions, and precision agriculture, according to a ministry statement on Tuesday.
On the last day of the visit, Goyal also called on Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and briefed them on the successfully held India–Israel Business Forum and CEOs Forum and also discussed expanding the bilateral economic and strategic cooperation in the fields of agriculture, water, defence, cybersecurity, science and technology, and innovation.