Did Piyush Goyal Deliver PM Modi's Greetings to Netanyahu While Highlighting Trade Progress?
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Synopsis
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal's meeting with Israeli PM Netanyahu marks a pivotal moment in India-Israel relations, as he conveys PM Modi's warm wishes and discusses the launch of Free Trade Agreement negotiations. This visit could reshape bilateral trade, innovation, and investment dynamics.
Key Takeaways
- Piyush Goyal meets Israeli PM Netanyahu.
- Conveys warm wishes from PM Narendra Modi.
- Discusses Free Trade Agreement negotiations.
- Highlights success of Business Forums.
- Focus on boosting trade and technology cooperation.
New Delhi, Nov 23 (NationPress) - On Sunday, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal concluded his three-day visit by meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. During this meeting, he conveyed the warm regards of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and shared significant developments from their bilateral discussions.
“It was an honor to meet the Prime Minister of Israel, H.E. @Netanyahu, at the end of my visit,” Union Minister Goyal stated on his official X account.
“I conveyed to him the heartfelt wishes of Prime Minister @NarendraModi ji,” he added.
The Minister informed Netanyahu about his talks with Israel’s Economy Minister Nir Barkat, the successful India–Israel Business and CEOs Forums, and the signing of the Terms of Reference that officially initiates negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) aimed at enhancing trade, investment, and technological collaboration.
“I updated him on my discussions with Minister @NirBarkat and highlighted the successful Business Forum and CEOs Forum, which saw participation from over 60 Indian business delegates,” the Minister noted.
“I emphasized the signing of the Terms of Reference to initiate FTA negotiations, which will significantly enhance trade, investment, and technology cooperation,” he stated.
Union Minister Goyal also discussed the ongoing efforts to strengthen the partnership between the two nations in technology and talent.
“We discussed enhancing our innovation partnership by leveraging Israel’s high-tech capabilities along with India’s vast scale and talent,” the Minister mentioned.
He sought guidance on further deepening the bilateral economic and strategic cooperation across critical sectors such as agriculture, water, defense, science, technology, and innovation.
Earlier, Union Minister Goyal expressed that as India and Israel work towards implementing the proposed FTA in two phases, they expect to see an increase in bilateral trade along with improvements in mutual relations in innovation, research, and development.
“I believe this visit, as the Commerce Minister after two decades, has been immensely fruitful,” he remarked in Jerusalem.
“Following this meeting, I anticipate a rise in bilateral trade between India and Israel, along with advancements in our collaborative efforts in innovation, research, and development, ultimately leading to a significant uptick in investments between our nations,” he added.
Furthermore, he noted that both countries are eager to finalize the first phase of the FTA promptly to provide benefits to the trade community sooner.
Point of View
This meeting between India's Commerce Minister and the Israeli Prime Minister underscores the importance of strengthening bilateral relations. It reflects India's commitment to enhancing trade and technological collaboration, aligning with global economic trends and fostering innovation. This engagement is significant not just for economic growth, but also for building strategic partnerships that can withstand global challenges.
NationPress
23/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of Piyush Goyal's visit to Israel?
The purpose of Piyush Goyal's visit was to strengthen bilateral relations between India and Israel, convey PM Modi's wishes, and discuss the launch of Free Trade Agreement negotiations.
What key outcomes were discussed during the meeting?
Key outcomes discussed included the signing of the Terms of Reference for FTA negotiations, successful business forums, and enhancing technological cooperation.
How will the FTA benefit India and Israel?
The FTA is expected to boost trade, investment, and technology cooperation, ultimately improving bilateral relations and economic growth.
What sectors are targeted for collaboration?
The targeted sectors for collaboration include agriculture, water, defense, science, technology, and innovation.
Why is this visit significant?
This visit is significant as it marks the first time in 20 years that a Commerce Minister of India has visited Israel, indicating a renewed focus on bilateral engagement.
