Goyal met a leading group from Israel to push forward the India-Israel FTA talks, and called the discussions worthwhile in a message on X, saying that both sides want to build up economic activity and free up trade, new ideas, and growth.
Meetings of groups and political support
Goyal stated that the talks showed that both sides were equally committed to making the relationship between the two countries stronger, and that the talks were going well because Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Netanyahu shared a common view of what the economy should be. Nir Barkat, Israel’s Economy and Industry Minister, also said the group had come to start formal FTA talks.
The ‘Terms of Reference’ for the FTA talks were signed in November 2025, making a formal basis for talks. People on both sides stressed that the political drive and the close working together of the leading teams was a key reason for quick movement.
What the experts are doing and what they are talking about
Experts in technology from India and Israel have begun sessions on the main parts of the agreement. The agenda includes trade in products and services, rules for where goods come from, health and plant rules, and technical barriers to trade.
Other subjects include customs processes and making trade easier, rights to intellectual property, and other rules that affect business across borders. Getting these technical points dealt with early can give businesses more safety and cut down on the trouble of following rules.
What the economies are like and trade figures
In the 2024-2025 financial year, trade in actual goods between India and Israel was worth $3.62 billion, showing that business links are stable. Both economies have strong points which match in areas such as technology, drugs, farming and special making of goods.
People negotiating say the FTA could be a trigger for more trade, by giving businesses, including MSMEs, more to rely on. Lower trade barriers and clearer rules could allow smaller firms to go into export markets with more self-assurance.
What businesses and sectors could gain
An FTA could widen chances in areas driven by new ideas where India and Israel already work together – like defence technology, managing water, and making things using research. The pact could also bring down costs for people who export services and increase the flow of investment across borders.
For MSMEs, clearer rules for where goods come from and simpler customs processes could cut down on costs for deals and speed up access to markets. Being sure of intellectual property being protected could also encourage joint businesses and moving of technology.
Broader trade talks and related policy changes
Goyal also spoke about trade talks running at the same time, saying India will restart talks with the United States once it is clear what the issues are about rates of tax. Officials had put off a planned meeting of chief negotiators to end a short-term agreement while they waited for things to happen.
On policy for investment, the minister said the government was happy to change rules under the present system of approval for investment from countries next door. Under the present system, investment from countries sharing a land border needs government approval. Authorities are still talking to industry to work out how to react and speed up approvals where it is right to do so.
What happens next and what the talks may lead to
This round of talks is about detailed, technical work to turn the November 2025 Terms of Reference into text for negotiating. Both sides plan more sessions with experts before going on to decisions at a political level.
Although the time plan is not fixed, people negotiating stress that steady movement is being made, helped by strong support at a high level. If talks stay on track, the India-Israel FTA could make trade between the two countries stronger and make a more certain situation for businesses on both sides.
