India, Israel boosting alliance to lift bilateral trade: PM Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday met Union commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal and said the two nations are strengthening their “strategic partnership” to boost bilateral trade and investments, besides endorsing the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).

- Rajeev Jayaswal

“I met today in Jerusalem with India’s Minister of Commerce & Industry, @Piyush-Goyal. Israel and India are strengthening our strategic partnership, more investments, more innovation, and a strong economic corridor from India through Israel to Europe. Together we are building economic power,” Netanyahu said in a post on X.

After the meeting, Goyal said signing of the terms of reference (ToR) to launch negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) will boost trade, investment and technology cooperation between the two countries. According to him, signing of the ToR is the “first crucial step” towards facilitating talks to conclude a balanced, comprehensive, and mutually beneficial FTA.

“Honoured to call on the Prime Minister of Israel, H.E. @Netanyahu, at the conclusion of my three-day visit. Conveyed to him the warm wishes of Prime Minister @NarendraModi ji. Updated him on my discussions with Minister @NirBarkat and the successful holding of Business Forum and CEOs Forum held with over 60-member Indian business delegation that accompanied me,” Goyal said ina post on X.