How Does Piyush Goyal's Israel Visit Enhance Collaboration in Innovation, Mobility, Finance and Agritech?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Strengthened economic ties between India and Israel.
- Focus on agricultural collaboration for food security.
- Exploration of innovation in technology and mobility.
- Engagement with industry leaders for B2B opportunities.
- Significant strides towards the India–Israel Free Trade Agreement.
New Delhi, Nov 22 (NationPress) Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal has significantly enhanced India's collaboration with Israel through a series of high-profile engagements held on November 20–21, as announced by the government on Saturday.
His discussions aimed at expanding joint efforts in agriculture, technology, innovation, trade, and investment, showcasing the increasing strategic alignment between the two countries.
During a meeting with Israel’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Avi Dichter, Goyal explored avenues to enhance agricultural cooperation.
Minister Dichter provided insights on Israel's comprehensive food-security strategy, advanced seed improvement initiatives, and the nation’s global leadership in water-reuse technologies.
Goyal emphasized that such expertise is crucial for addressing India's agricultural priorities.
He also visited the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation, where he was introduced to Israel's prestigious innovation ecosystem.
He observed developments such as drip irrigation systems, medical stent technologies, the Iron Dome system, and cutting-edge immersive virtual-reality solutions.
Goyal characterized the Center as a motivating hub that illustrates Israel's journey in creativity and social impact.
In another engagement, the Minister witnessed an autonomous-drive demonstration by Mobileye, highlighting Israel's advancements in next-generation mobility solutions.
He also visited Kibbutz Ramat Rachel to learn about its cooperative lifestyle, sustainable farming methods, and community-driven development model.
Goyal's official visit commenced on November 20 with a meeting with Israel's Minister of Economy, Nir Barkat.
The two leaders assessed the current trade relationship and identified new collaborative opportunities.
Following this, the India–Israel Business Forum convened, uniting senior industry leaders from both nations for technical discussions and B2B networking.
In his address, Goyal underscored the trust-based foundation of India–Israel relations and pointed out significant prospects in fintech, agritech, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, pharmaceuticals, space, and defense.
The Minister also held discussions with Israel's Minister of Finance, Bezalel Smotrich, to explore ways to enhance investment flows, financial technology cooperation, and regulatory collaboration between the two nations.
During his industry engagements, Goyal interacted with leading Israeli companies like Check Point, IDE Technologies, NTA, and Netafim.
Conversations revolved around cybersecurity, water and sewage management, urban mobility solutions, and modern irrigation systems—areas that closely align with India's developmental objectives.
A notable highlight of the visit was the signing of the Terms of Reference for the India–Israel Free Trade Agreement.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to advancing negotiations in a constructive and balanced manner to enhance trade and investment.
Goyal also engaged with Israeli media, met with members of the diamond community—a vital component of bilateral trade—and subsequently participated in the India–Israel CEOs Forum alongside Minister Barkat.
He emphasized the robust and growing potential of the economic partnership between the two nations.