India, Israel trade pact to unlock vast potential: PM in Israeli parliament

Congress and Left parties say Modi’s visit amounts to betrayal of the Palestinian cause

- ARCHIS MOHAN

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday that Indian and Israeli trade negotiators were working on an “ambitious trade agreement” which “will unlock the vast potential” in the trade relationship between the two countries.

An Israeli trade delegation is currently in India, and held a meeting with Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday.

As the Prime Minister entered the Knesset, its members chanted his name. His address at the Israeli Parliament on Wednesday — part of his packed schedule during the two-day visit to the country — underlined the strong ties between the two countries.

In his speech at the Knesset, the PM said the two countries are also working closely in other sectors, including the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, and the I2U2 Framework between India, Israel, the US and the UAE. Modi termed the defence and security ties between the two countries as "an important pillar’ of the partnership, and said the two countries signed a defence cooperation agreement in November.

The India-Israel defence security partnership is of vital importance in the current ‘uncertain world, Modi said.