Goyal’s Israel Visit Advances Trade Talks And Strategic Ties

28 Nov 2025 CW Team

During the visit, Goyal met Israel’s Minister of Economy and Industry, Nir Barkat; Minister of Finance, Bezalel Smotrich; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Avi Dichter; and also called on President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

A major highlight of the visit was the signing of the Terms of Reference for an India–Israel Free Trade Agreement, paving the way for structured negotiations towards a balanced and mutually beneficial deal. Discussions with the Finance Minister focused on opportunities for Indian companies in infrastructure and mining, as well as prospects for Indian workers in Israel. Talks with the Agriculture Minister covered Israel’s long-term food-security strategy, seed-improvement technologies and leadership in agricultural water-reuse.

Goyal participated in the India–Israel Business Forum and CEOs Forum, which saw strong industry participation from both sides and facilitated more than 250 B2B meetings. He highlighted India’s vast potential for Israeli innovators, especially in technology, agritech, water tech, defence, fintech, AI, quantum computing, pharmaceuticals and space.

The Minister also held meetings with leaders from key Israeli companies such as Check Point, IDE Technologies, NTA and Netafim to explore partnerships in cybersecurity, desalination and wastewater management, metro and urban mobility solutions and precision agriculture.

Goyal visited the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation to understand Israel’s globally renowned innovation ecosystem, experienced an autonomous-driving demonstration by Mobileye and toured Kibbutz Ramat Rachel to study community-based sustainable agriculture models.

He also interacted with the Indian business delegation, media representatives, the diamond community and members of the Indian diaspora. Cultural and historical visits included the Israel Museum and the Indian Hospice.

Minister Nir Barkat hosted a gala reception in honour of Goyal, attended by leading industry members from both countries. Barkat was also the guest of honour at a community reception organised by the Indian Embassy.

On the final day, Goyal briefed President Herzog and Prime Minister Netanyahu on the successful business forums and discussed expanding bilateral cooperation in agriculture, water, defence, cybersecurity, science, technology and innovation.

More than 60 Indian business leaders accompanying the Minister also undertook visits to key Israeli institutions, exploring innovation at the Peres Center, cybersecurity advances at Check Point, healthcare innovations at Sheba Hospital and sustainable farming practices during an agri-farm tour.

The visit reaffirmed the commitment of both nations to deepen economic ties, expand technology-driven collaboration and enhance partnerships across strategically important sectors, marking an important step in the next phase of the India–Israel relationship.

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal concluded a productive three-day visit to Israel (20–22 November 2025), holding a series of high-level meetings aimed at strengthening the India–Israel strategic and economic partnership. During the visit, Goyal met Israel’s Minister of Economy and Industry, Nir Barkat; Minister of Finance, Bezalel Smotrich; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Avi Dichter; and also called on President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. A major highlight of the visit was the signing of the Terms of Reference for an India–Israel Free Trade Agreement, paving the way for structured negotiations towards a balanced and mutually beneficial deal. Discussions with the Finance Minister focused on opportunities for Indian companies in infrastructure and mining, as well as prospects for Indian workers in Israel. Talks with the Agriculture Minister covered Israel’s long-term food-security strategy, seed-improvement technologies and leadership in agricultural water-reuse. Goyal participated in the India–Israel Business Forum and CEOs Forum, which saw strong industry participation from both sides and facilitated more than 250 B2B meetings. He highlighted India’s vast potential for Israeli innovators, especially in technology, agritech, water tech, defence, fintech, AI, quantum computing, pharmaceuticals and space. The Minister also held meetings with leaders from key Israeli companies such as Check Point, IDE Technologies, NTA and Netafim to explore partnerships in cybersecurity, desalination and wastewater management, metro and urban mobility solutions and precision agriculture. Goyal visited the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation to understand Israel’s globally renowned innovation ecosystem, experienced an autonomous-driving demonstration by Mobileye and toured Kibbutz Ramat Rachel to study community-based sustainable agriculture models. He also interacted with the Indian business delegation, media representatives, the diamond community and members of the Indian diaspora. Cultural and historical visits included the Israel Museum and the Indian Hospice. Minister Nir Barkat hosted a gala reception in honour of Goyal, attended by leading industry members from both countries. Barkat was also the guest of honour at a community reception organised by the Indian Embassy. On the final day, Goyal briefed President Herzog and Prime Minister Netanyahu on the successful business forums and discussed expanding bilateral cooperation in agriculture, water, defence, cybersecurity, science, technology and innovation. More than 60 Indian business leaders accompanying the Minister also undertook visits to key Israeli institutions, exploring innovation at the Peres Center, cybersecurity advances at Check Point, healthcare innovations at Sheba Hospital and sustainable farming practices during an agri-farm tour. The visit reaffirmed the commitment of both nations to deepen economic ties, expand technology-driven collaboration and enhance partnerships across strategically important sectors, marking an important step in the next phase of the India–Israel relationship.

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