India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, has embarked on a three-day visit to Israel aimed at enhancing bilateral economic and strategic relations amid international criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza. The visit coincides with a growing global consensus condemning Israel’s military operations against Palestinians, which many have characterized as war crimes.
During Goyal’s visit, the Terms of Reference for the India–Israel Free Trade Agreement (FTA) were signed by Goyal and Israel’s Minister of Economy, Nir Barkat. An extensive Indian business delegation, reportedly the largest ever sent to Israel, accompanied Goyal. This delegation included over 60 members and featured representatives from prominent Indian firms such as Mahindra, Amul, and Asian Paints, covering sectors including high technology, pharmaceuticals, robotics, automotive, agritech, construction, and e-commerce.
Official statements from the Indian Ministry indicated that both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral trade, investment, and technological cooperation, expressing optimism that negotiations would move forward toward a balanced and mutually beneficial FTA.
During his visit, Goyal met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has faced accusations related to war crimes, and Bezalel Smotrich, a cabinet member who has been sanctioned for inflammatory rhetoric concerning the Palestinian situation. Goyal shared a photo with Netanyahu on social media, highlighting discussions focused on fostering innovation partnerships by leveraging Israel’s technological capabilities along with India’s operational scale and talent.
This visit follows a recent Bilateral Investment Agreement signed in September by India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Smotrich in New Delhi, which prompted backlash from opposition parties. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) criticized Smotrich’s visit, labeling it “shameful” amidst ongoing violence in Gaza.
In parallel, a coalition of 12 Global South nations—including Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, Indonesia, Iraq, Libya, Malaysia, Namibia, Nicaragua, Oman, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and South Africa—has announced plans for trade embargoes and port bans against Israel during the Bogota summit and Hague Group initiatives this year.
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