New Delhi: The first round of negotiations for the India Israel FTA commenced on 23 February 2026 in New Delhi, marking a significant milestone in advancing bilateral trade relations between the two countries.
The discussions under the India Israel FTA are scheduled to continue until 26 February 2026, following the signing of the Terms of Reference (ToR) in November 2025, which established a structured framework for dialogue across identified sectors to enhance trade and economic cooperation.
The India Israel FTA negotiations come at a time when total merchandise trade between the two countries stood at USD 3.62 billion in FY 2024–2025.
India and Israel share complementarities across multiple sectors, and the proposed agreement is expected to serve as a catalyst in further enhancing bilateral trade by providing greater certainty and predictability to businesses, including MSMEs.
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Technical-Level Discussions Cover Key Trade Areas
During the ongoing round of the India Israel FTA, technical experts from both sides are engaging in detailed sessions covering trade in goods, trade in services, rules of origin, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, technical barriers to trade, customs procedures and trade facilitation, intellectual property rights, among other aspects.
The structured discussions under the India Israel FTA framework aim to build a comprehensive and forward-looking agreement that addresses both tariff and non-tariff measures while strengthening economic ties.
Commerce Secretary Highlights Strategic Timing
During the opening session of the India Israel FTA negotiations, Rajesh Agrawal, Commerce Secretary of India, underscored that the negotiations had begun at an opportune moment coinciding with the visit of Narendra Modi to Israel from 25–26 February 2026.
Shri Rajesh Agrawal highlighted the significant opportunities available to both countries in sectors such as innovation, science and technology, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, high-tech manufacturing, agriculture, and services.
He emphasized that the India Israel FTA will enable both nations to harness and fully leverage these opportunities.
Chief Negotiators Emphasize Balanced and Forward-Looking Framework
Chief Negotiator of India for the India Israel FTA, Ajay Bhadoo, Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce, reiterated the importance of this engagement and encouraged both sides to work toward a balanced agreement that builds a forward-looking framework for an evolving partnership.
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On behalf of Israel, Chief Negotiator Yifat Alon Perel, Senior Director Trade Policy & Agreements and Deputy Trade Commissioner, Foreign Trade Administration, Ministry of Economy and Industry, Israel, stated that the two countries share a close relationship and that the India Israel FTA has the potential to strengthen supply chains, enhance cooperation, and open new markets for both nations.
India Israel FTA: Strengthening Strategic Bilateral Partnership
The launch of the first round of the India Israel FTA negotiations highlights the strategic importance of the India–Israel bilateral relationship.
The engagement reinforces India’s commitment to strengthening economic partnerships aligned with national priorities and global aspirations.
Both sides are working toward concluding a balanced and mutually beneficial agreement under the India Israel FTA, which is expected to further deepen trade integration and long-term economic collaboration.
