NEW DELHI — India and Israel have concluded the second round of negotiations for a proposed free trade agreement (FTA), with technical experts from both sides holding dedicated sessions covering goods, services, rules of origin, and intellectual property rights, according to a statement from India's Commerce Ministry released on Friday.
Second Round of Negotiations
The negotiations were held in New Delhi from July 20-23, 2025. The Commerce Ministry described the discussions as "constructive and forward-looking," with both sides undertaking detailed technical deliberations aimed at narrowing gaps and identifying areas of convergence. The statement added that both countries remain committed to working towards the early conclusion of a "balanced, comprehensive and mutually beneficial FTA."
Scope of the Proposed FTA
During the second round, technical experts from India and Israel held dedicated sessions on multiple chapters of the proposed agreement, 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
The Commerce Ministry noted that India and Israel share complementarities across several sectors, and the proposed FTA presents an opportunity to further enhance bilateral trade and deepen economic integration.
Bilateral Trade Data
According to the official statement, total merchandise trade between India and Israel stood at USD 3.93 billion in 2025-26. The FTA is expected to expand trade and economic ties between the two countries, building on existing investment and strategic cooperation.
Both sides have not yet announced a timeline for the next round of negotiations, but the Commerce Ministry emphasized the shared commitment to an early conclusion of the pact.
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