Commerce Minister Shri Piyush Goyal Concludes Israel Visit, Advancing Bilateral Strategic and Economic Cooperation
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal completed a visit to Israel from 20 to 22 November 2025, during which he engaged in a series of high-level meetings aimed at enhancing the strategic and economic partnership between India and Israel.
High-Level Bilateral Meetings
The visit included meetings with Israel’s Minister of Economy and Industry Mr. Nir Barkat, Minister of Finance Mr. Bezalel Smotrich, and Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Mr. Avi Dichter, along with calls on the President of the State of Israel H.E. Mr. Isaac Herzog and the Prime Minister of Israel H.E. Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu.
Shri Goyal’s discussion with Mr. Nir Barkat focused on the Free Trade Agreement, during which the Terms of Reference for the India–Israel Free Trade Agreement were signed. This development sets the stage for structured negotiations aimed at achieving a balanced and mutually beneficial arrangement. In his meeting with Mr. Bezalel Smotrich, Shri Goyal discussed opportunities for Indian companies in infrastructure and mining, as well as employment opportunities for Indian workers in Israel. Talks with Mr. Avi Dichter included Israel’s long-term food security approach, seed improvement technologies, and expertise in agricultural water reuse.
Business Engagements and Industry Interactions
Shri Goyal attended the India–Israel Business Forum and the CEOs Forum, both of which saw strong participation from industry representatives of both countries. More than 250 B2B meetings took place during these events. In his remarks, he highlighted India’s scope for collaboration with Israeli innovators and enterprises across sectors such as technology, agritech, water technology, defence, science and technology, fintech, AI, quantum computing, pharmaceuticals, and space.
The Minister also interacted with senior leadership from major Israeli firms including Check Point, IDE Technologies, NTA, and Netafim. These engagements centered on potential cooperation in cybersecurity, desalination and wastewater management, metro and urban mobility solutions, and precision agriculture.
Visits to Innovation and Community Institutions
Shri Goyal visited the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation, where he received an overview of Israel’s innovation ecosystem. He also viewed an autonomous driving demonstration by Mobileye and toured Kibbutz Ramat Rachel to gain insights into community-based sustainable agriculture and rural development.
During the visit, he interacted with the Indian business delegation, members of the Indian and Israeli media, the diamond community, and the Indian community in Israel. He also visited key cultural and historical locations, including the Israel Museum and the Indian Hospice.
Community and Diplomatic Interactions
Minister Nir Barkat hosted a Gala Reception in honor of Shri Goyal, which was attended by prominent industry representatives from both countries. He also served as the Guest of Honor at the Community Reception organized by the Embassy of India in Israel for Shri Goyal.
On the concluding day, Shri Goyal met President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He provided an overview of the India–Israel Business Forum and CEOs Forum and discussed potential expansion of bilateral cooperation in agriculture, water, defence, cybersecurity, science and technology, and innovation.
Business Delegation Activities
The accompanying Indian business delegation, comprising more than 60 members, conducted several site visits in Israel. These included engagements at the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation, cybersecurity demonstrations at Check Point, healthcare innovations at Sheba Hospital, and sustainable agricultural practices during an agri-farm visit.
The visit reaffirmed the commitment of both nations to advance economic ties, enhance technology-driven collaboration, and strengthen partnerships across key strategic sectors, marking progress in the next phase of the India–Israel relationship.