New Delhi, November 25
Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Piyush Goyal concluded a productive visit to Israel (November 20–22), during which he held a series of high-level engagements aimed at strengthening the India–Israel strategic and economic partnership.
The visit included bilateral meetings with Israel’s Minister of Economy and Industry Nir Barkat, Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Avi Dichter and calls on President of the State of Israel Isaac Herzog and the Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu.
Discussions with Israel’s Minister of Economy and Industry Nir Barkat covered discussions on FTA. A key highlight 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. Discussions with Israel’s Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich covered the opportunities for Indian companies in the fields of infrastructure, mining and the opportunities for the Indian workers in Israel. Discussions with Israel’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Avi Dichter, covered Israel’s long-term food-security strategy, seed-improvement technologies, and leadership in agricultural water-reuse.
Goyal participated in the India–Israel Business Forum, and CEOs Forum which saw strong industry participation from both sides. 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.
The Minister also held interactions with leadership from leading Israeli companies, including Check Point, IDE Technologies, NTA and Netafim, focusing on partnerships in cyber security, desalination and wastewater management, metro and urban mobility solutions, and precision agriculture respectively.
The Minister visited the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation, where he was briefed on Israel’s globally renowned innovation ecosystem. He also experienced an autonomous-driving demonstration by Mobil eye and visited Kibbutz Ramat Rachel to understand Israel’s community-driven models of sustainable agriculture and rural development.
Goyal also engaged with the Indian business delegation, the Indian and Israeli media, the diamond community, and members of the Indian community in Israel. He visited key cultural and historical sites in Israel, including the Israel Museum and the Indian Hospice.
Minister Nir Barkat hosted a Gala Reception in honour of Goyal with leading industry members of India and Israel. Minister Nir Barkat was also the Guest of Honor for the Community Reception that was organized by the Embassy of India in Israel in honour Goyal.
On the last day of the visit, Goyal also called on the President of the State of Israel, Isaac Herzog, and the Prime Minister of Israel . Benjamin Netanyahu and briefed them on the successful India–Israel Business Forum and CEOs Forum that were held, and also discussed expanding the bilateral economic and strategic cooperation in the fields of agriculture, water, defence, cyber security, science and technology and innovation.
The accompanying 60 plus Indian business delegation also undertook insightful site visits in Israel — exploring innovation at the Peres Center for Peace & Innovation, cyber security leadership at Check Point, advancements in healthcare at Sheba Hospital, and best practices in sustainable farming during an agri-farm visit.
The visit reaffirmed the strong commitment of both countries to deepen economic ties, accelerate technology-driven cooperation, and expand partnerships across sectors of strategic importance, marking an important step forward in the next phase of the India–Israel relationship.
