New Delhi, Aug 18: India and Israel are stepping up negotiations on a proposed free trade agreement, with two more rounds of talks expected before February 2027 and both sides hoping to gain greater clarity on the pact by then.
The second round of negotiations was held last month, following an agreement on the terms of reference late last year. The next round is expected in October, with another round likely to follow in February.
The proposed agreement is aimed at strengthening trade and investment ties by improving market access and creating a more predictable environment for businesses in both countries.
Negotiations are covering traditional trade issues as well as wider economic cooperation. Differences in the size of the two markets and their existing tariff structures, however, could make some areas of the talks challenging.
Technology and innovation are emerging as key areas of potential cooperation. Stronger collaboration could help Israeli technology companies expand their operations in India while opening opportunities for Indian businesses to access expertise, innovation and investment.
For businesses, a successful trade agreement could make cross-border operations easier and encourage new partnerships. It could also provide greater confidence for companies considering long-term investments in manufacturing, technology and other growth sectors.
The upcoming rounds will be important for resolving outstanding issues and determining the scope of the final agreement. The focus is expected to remain on finding practical areas of common ground while addressing concerns on market access.
If the negotiations progress as planned, the proposed FTA could provide a fresh boost to India-Israel economic ties and create new opportunities for trade, investment, technology and innovation.