India and Israel Begin Free Trade Agreement Talks Amid PM Modi's Israel Visit

India and Israel have commenced the first round of negotiations for a proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in New Delhi, coinciding with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to Israel. The talks, based on a Terms of Reference signed in November 2025, aim to deepen bilateral trade and economic cooperation across sectors like technology, agriculture, and services. Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are also reviewing strategic partnerships in defence, innovation, and water management. The FTA is expected to provide greater certainty for businesses, including MSMEs, and expand trade beyond the current USD 3.62 billion merchandise exchange.