The second round of discussions for the proposed India-Israel Free Trade Agreement (FTA) took place from July 20 to 23, 2026, at Vanijya Bhawan in New Delhi, and both countries have successfully completed them. In their ongoing pursuit of a comprehensive, balanced, and mutually advantageous trade deal, the two nations engaged in in-depth discussions across a variety of industries over the course of four days of negotiations.
The bilateral trade, economic cooperation, and investment expansion was mapped out in the Terms of Reference (ToR) signed in November 2025, which served as the basis for the negotiations. Government officials from both nations met to discuss technical matters and analyse developments since the initial round.
Topics covered by technical teams included rules of origin, trade in services, intellectual property rights (IPR), trade facilitation, customs procedures, trade barriers to trade (TBT), sanitary and phytosanitary measures (SPS), and economic cooperation, among many others. The conversations, according to both parties, were fruitful and looked ahead, with an emphasis on finding areas of agreement.
The value of merchandise trade between India and Israel was $3.93 billion in fiscal year 2025–26, as reported by the government. The planned FTA is a significant step towards improving trade, investment, and long-term economic integration between the two nations because of their good complementarities in technology, manufacturing, agriculture, military, innovation, and services.
Chief Negotiator Ajay Bhadoo of India, who is also the Additional Secretary of the Department of Commerce, reaffirmed India’s aim to achieve a comprehensive, balanced, and win-win agreement during the inaugural session. This would further cement the economic links between the two countries. Yifat Alon Perel, Senior Director, Trade Policy & Agreements and Deputy Trade Commissioner, and Israel’s Chief Negotiator, Yifat Alon Perel, both expressed gratitude for the accomplishments thus far and emphasised the importance of keeping the momentum going to complete the deal.
New business opportunities, increased market access, investment incentives, and a stronger strategic economic partnership are all things that could result from the India-Israel Free Trade Agreement, which both countries have pledged to finalise as soon as possible.
The conclusion of the second round of free trade agreement (FTA) discussions between India and Israel is a major step forward in the development of the two countries’ economies; it will allow for increased investment, trade, and strategic cooperation.
Image: FE
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