India-Israel FTA talks: Piyush Goyal hails 'productive interaction' as PM Modi visits Tel Aviv

Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday said the shared vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is “steadily translating into action,” as negotiations for an India–Israel Free Trade Agreement (FTA) gather momentum, as PM Modi reaches Israel.In a post on X, Goyal highlighted ongoing discussions with an Israeli delegation currently in New Delhi. He wrote, "Building the future, together. Thank you, my dear friend. Indeed, this is a historic and special moment. As our leaders, PM @NarendraModi ji & PM @Netanyahu meet, their shared vision is steadily translating into action, with the Israeli delegation in New Delhi advancing the India-Israel Free Trade Agreement negotiations. I had a productive interaction with the Israeli team, reflecting our shared commitment to deepening economic engagement. It is encouraging to see both sides working closely to unlock new opportunities in trade, innovation & growth, further strengthening our valued partnership." Goyal’s remarks came in response to former Israeli minister Nir Barkat, who had earlier welcomed the progress in talks. Barkat posted on X, "Making history! A photo just sent to me by the Indian Minister of Commerce and Industry, my friend @PiyushGoyal. A delegation led by the Foreign Trade Administration at the Ministry of Economy and Industry has arrived in India to launch negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement between our nations! Thanks to the strategic relationship between our leaders, @netanyahu and @narendramodi, and the friendship I have forged with Piyush, we are on the way to a breakthrough that creates great new opportunities between our countries and will serve as a powerful growth engine for the economies of Israel and India. Modi, welcome to Israel!"Meanwhile, PM Modi arrived in Israel on Wednesday for a two-day state visit. He was received by Netanyahu.In a separate post on X, PM Modi expressed confidence about the visit, stating that he looked forward to bilateral discussions and outcomes that would further strengthen ties between India and Israel.