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The first round of talks between India and Israel has been concluded for  a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

The negotiations were held in the National Capital while the Prime Minster Narendra Modi was on a two-day visit to Israel.

Talks between the two countries on FTA were held here from February 23 to 26, an official spokesman said here.

The Terms of Reference (TOR) were signed in November 2025, establishing a structured framework for discussions on identified areas to enhance trade and economic cooperation.

Modi while addressing a Special Plenary of the Knesset in Jerusalem on 25th of February 2026, called for early finalisation of an ambitious Free Trade Agreement to realise the untapped trade potential between the two countries.

In-fact on 24th of February, Piyush Goyal the Commerce Minister Industry held an extensive meeting with the visiting Israeli delegation in Delhi.

During the four-day negotiations, both countries engaged in discussions covering a wide range of areas, including trade in goods and services, rules of origin, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, technical barriers to trade, customs procedures, intellectual property rights, digital trade, and other key chapters.

Discussions were held in a constructive and forward-looking manner, with both sides reaffirming their objective of negotiating a comprehensive, balanced, and mutually beneficial agreement. Both sides also agreed to continue inter-sessional engagements virtually.

The next round of in-person negotiations will be held in May 2026 in Israel.

Bilateral merchandise trade between the two countries stood at approximately USD 3.62 billion in FY 2024–25.

The proposed FTA offers a valuable opportunity to enhance trade flows by providing a stable and predictable framework for businesses in both India and Israel.