India’s Commerce Minister Visits Israel to Boost Trade

Israel Hosts Indian Commerce Minister for Economic Talks

November 18, 2025

India’s Commerce Minister Visits Israel with Historic Business Delegation

Tuesday, November 18, 2025

The Indian Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, will visit Israel this Thursday, November 20, accompanied by a large business delegation. Israel’s Minister of Economy and Industry, Nir Barkat, will host the delegation, marking a major milestone in economic relations between the two countries.

Largest Indian Delegation Ever Visits Israel

The delegation includes over 100 representatives from major Indian companies, such as:

  • Mahindra – a diversified industrial and high-tech group active in automotive, agriculture, aviation, and advanced technologies.

  • Amul – one of India’s oldest and largest dairy companies with an extensive cooperative network.

  • Asian Paints – India’s leading paint and coatings company with global operations.

Delegates also represent startups and firms in construction, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and technology. This delegation is the largest India has ever sent to Israel and reflects India’s position as the world’s fifth-largest economy and Israel’s second-largest trading partner in Asia.

Focus on Trade, Investment, and FTA Negotiations

The visit aims to strengthen bilateral trade, foster collaborations, and advance negotiations on a potential Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Ministers Barkat and Goyal will host discussions with Indian and Israeli business leaders, providing opportunities for joint ventures and expanded trade.

Dozens of delegates come from sectors such as high-tech, pharmaceuticals, robotics, automotive, agritech, construction, e-commerce, and defense. Israeli companies are expected to find attractive opportunities given India’s economic reforms, high growth rates, infrastructure investments, and openness to foreign investment.

Planned Schedule of Events

The visit, organized by Israel’s Foreign Trade Administration and the Export Institute, will feature:

  • 09:30 – 10:45: Opening remarks by the Ambassador of India, Ministers Goyal and Barkat, and industry representatives.

  • 11:00 – 11:30: Lecture by Prof. Avi Simhon on “Resilience, Opportunities, and Potential of the Israeli Economy.”

  • 12:10 – 13:00: Panel discussion on “Insights from Business Collaborations between Israelis and Indians.”

  • 14:00 – 17:00: B2B meetings between Israeli and Indian companies.

  • 16:00 – 17:00: CEOs forum to discuss collaboration opportunities.

  • 17:30 – 18:15: Press conference with Ministers Barkat and Goyal.

  • 19:00 – 21:00: Gala evening honoring the Indian delegation.

These activities are expected to lead to tangible business deals, create partnerships, and explore investment opportunities across multiple sectors.

Growing Trade Between Israel and India

India is Israel’s second-largest trading partner in Asia. Israel’s technology and innovation complement India’s growing demand for advanced solutions in defense, agriculture, healthcare, and industry.

Over the past five years, exports of goods and services from Israel to India rose by about 50%, reaching approximately $3 billion in 2024. Goods exports totaled $2.3 billion, led by electronics, medical and optical instruments, chemicals, and diamonds. Exports of business services increased by 65%, reaching $754 million. Although recent conflicts in Israel slowed goods export growth between 2020 and 2022, business services exports continued to grow steadily.

Support from Israeli Economic Missions in India

Israel maintains three economic missions in India—New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. These teams assist Israeli companies in entering the Indian market, establishing collaborations, identifying partners, and building long-term trade relationships. The missions provide these services free of charge, promoting mutual economic growth and cooperation.
NEWS DESK
PRESS UPDATE