Netanyahu and Indian Commerce Minister Advance Economic Partnership

In a show of growing economic and diplomatic cooperation, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with Indian Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal in Jerusalem on Sunday, as the two leaders discussed strengthening bilateral trade, investment, and strategic initiatives.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the meeting covered a wide array of shared interests, including the expansion of mutual investments, advancement of a free trade agreement, and progress on the ambitious economic corridor project that would link India, the Middle East, Israel, and Europe.

Joining Netanyahu and Goyal were Israeli Economy Minister Nir Barkat, Acting National Security Council head Gil Reich, Diplomatic Adviser Ophir Falk, and India’s Ambassador to Israel, J.P. Singh. The gathering emphasized not only commercial growth but also the strategic partnership shaping one of the most dynamic relationships in the region.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog also welcomed Minister Goyal at the President’s Residence, praising the “endless possibilities for cooperation” between the two democracies. “Our nations are connected by shared values, vibrant democracies, and a visionary spirit of innovation,” Herzog said. “Our partnership is continuously becoming stronger, deeper, and more meaningful.”

Minister Goyal, accompanied by a 60-member business delegation, attended both a Business Forum and a CEOs Forum during his three-day visit. He described the meetings as “meaningful and inspiring,” and noted the launch of formal negotiations toward a Free Trade Agreement between the two nations a move expected to significantly enhance trade and technology collaboration.

Goyal highlighted the potential of combining Israel’s hi-tech edge with India’s scale and talent, pointing to joint opportunities in agriculture, water innovation, defense, science, and industrial technology. “This is a partnership rooted in mutual respect and a shared vision for the future,” he said.

The visit builds on a series of recent developments reflecting deepening India–Israel cooperation. In early November, the two countries signed a new Memorandum of Understanding to expand defense, industrial, and technological ties. India is also in advanced talks to manufacture Israeli-developed LORA tactical ballistic missiles and Ice Breaker cruise missiles under its “Make in India” initiative.

Meanwhile, Israel launched a national innovation showcase at the Bengaluru Tech Summit, marking a milestone in technological collaboration. Air India also announced the resumption of direct flights to Tel Aviv starting January 1, with five weekly nonstop routes from Delhi flying over Saudi Arabia and Oman, drastically reducing travel time.

As both nations move forward with purpose, the Israel–India partnership continues to stand as a model of shared innovation, economic strength, and geopolitical alignment. Share this article and subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed on Israel’s global alliances and economic growth.