India and Israel moved a step closer towards expanding strategic and economic cooperation as Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Sunday and highlighted the launch of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations. The discussions focused on strengthening collaboration across trade, investment, science and technology, innovation and wider strategic ties, according to ANI.In a post on X, Goyal said he was “honoured” to call on Herzog, adding that the talks covered “the full spectrum of our strategic partnership, including trade and investment, science & technology, innovation, and deeper economic engagement.”Goyal said he shared “the positive outcomes of the Business Forum and the CEOs Forum, and the first big step towards FTA negotiations,” while underlining India’s growth story and opportunities for Israeli partners.The Business Forum and CEOs Forum, held during Goyal’s visit to Israel, brought together business leaders from both countries to explore commercial partnerships.Earlier, during his meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Goyal highlighted the large Indian business delegation of over 60 members that attended the forums.During engagements on 21 November, Goyal held talks with Israeli Agriculture and Food Security Minister Avi Dichter to advance agricultural collaboration. Dichter briefed him on Israel’s 25-year food security roadmap, seed improvement strategies, and water-reuse technologies.On 20 November, Goyal began his official visit with a meeting with Israel’s Minister of Economy, Nir Barkat, where both sides reviewed the current trade trajectory and discussed new areas of cooperation.
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