India, Israel conclude second round of FTA negotiations
New Delhi, July 24 (TNT): India and Israel have concluded the second round of negotiations for the proposed India-Israel Free Trade Agreement (FTA), with both sides making progress towards a balanced, comprehensive and mutually beneficial pact.
The four-day negotiations were held at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi, from July 20 to 23, 2026.
Officials from both countries held detailed discussions across various areas covered under the proposed agreement.
The negotiations are being conducted within the framework of the Terms of Reference (ToR) signed in November 2025, which provide a structured roadmap to strengthen bilateral trade, economic cooperation and the overall economic partnership between the two countries.
During the latest round, technical experts from both sides held dedicated sessions on 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 proposed chapters.
The discussions were described as constructive and forward-looking, with both sides focusing on narrowing differences and identifying areas of convergence.
India’s Chief Negotiator for the FTA and Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce, Ajay Bhadoo, reaffirmed India’s commitment to negotiating an agreement that strengthens bilateral trade and economic relations.
Israel’s Chief Negotiator Yifat Alon Perel, Senior Director, Trade Policy & Agreements and Deputy Trade Commissioner, Foreign Trade Administration, Ministry of Economy and Industry, appreciated the progress made since the first round of negotiations and stressed the importance of maintaining momentum towards an ambitious outcome.
Bilateral merchandise trade between India and Israel stood at USD 3.93 billion in FY 2025-26.
The two countries have significant complementarities across multiple sectors, and the proposed FTA is expected to provide opportunities for expanding trade, investment and economic integration.
Both sides reiterated their commitment to working towards an early conclusion of a balanced and comprehensive agreement to further deepen bilateral economic ties.
TNT KS
