The four-day negotiation round was held in New Delhi from the 20th to the 23rd of this month, during which both sides conducted detailed discussions across all areas covered under the proposed agreement. The negotiations focused on strengthening bilateral trade, investment, and economic cooperation while working towards resolving key issues for an early conclusion of the FTA.
During the latest round, technical experts from both countries held dedicated sessions on several important chapters, including trade in goods, trade in services, rules of origin, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, technical barriers to trade, intellectual property rights, customs procedures and trade facilitation, economic cooperation, and other areas under the proposed agreement.
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry stated that the discussions were constructive and forward-looking, with both sides participating in detailed technical deliberations aimed at narrowing differences and identifying areas of mutual agreement.
The Ministry further stated that India and Israel reaffirmed their commitment to working towards the early finalisation of a balanced, comprehensive, and mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement. The agreement is expected to further strengthen bilateral trade, investment flows, and economic ties between the two nations.
The Ministry added that the Terms of Reference (ToR), signed by India and Israel in November last year, continue to serve as the structured framework guiding negotiations in identified areas. The framework is aimed at enhancing bilateral trade, economic cooperation, and the broader economic partnership between the two countries.
The completion of the second round of negotiations reflects continued efforts by India and Israel to deepen economic engagement and build a stronger foundation for long-term trade and investment relations through the proposed Free Trade Agreement.
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