New Delhi. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on phone on Wednesday. During this, both the leaders expressed satisfaction at the continued progress in the India-Israel strategic partnership and reiterated their commitment to further strengthen these relations for mutual benefit. The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said that both the leaders strongly condemned terrorism and reiterated their zero tolerance policy towards terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. They also discussed the situation in West Asia. Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s support for efforts for a just and lasting peace in the region, including the early implementation of the Gaza Peace Plan. The two leaders agreed to remain in touch.
Let us tell you that relations between the two countries are continuously progressing. In this sequence, at the end of last month, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal completed his successful visit to Israel, during which he held several high-level meetings aimed at strengthening the India-Israel strategic and economic partnership. According to an official statement, the visit reaffirmed the firm commitment of the two countries to deepen economic ties, accelerate technology-based cooperation and expand partnership in areas of strategic importance, marking an important step in the next phase of India-Israel relations.
During his visit from November 20 to 22, Goyal held bilateral meetings with three Israeli ministers and also met Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Free trade agreements (FTAs) came up during Goyal’s discussions with Israel’s Economy and Industry Minister Nir Barkat. On a significant note, the Terms of Reference for the India-Israel Free Trade Agreement was signed, which is an important step towards structured negotiations leading to a balanced and mutually beneficial outcome. Discussions with Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich covered infrastructure, mining and opportunities for Indian workers in Israel, while discussions with Israel’s Agriculture Minister Avi Dichter covered Israel’s long-term food security strategy, seed improvement technologies and leadership in agricultural water re-use.
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