2 weeks ago
India-Israel FTA Talks Set Two More Rounds by February
India and Israel are discussing a free trade agreement.
Such an agreement can make it easier for countries to trade with each other.
They have already completed two rounds of talks.
They plan to hold another round in October and probably a final round by February 2027.
By then, they expect to better understand whether the agreement can move forward.
The talks include market access, cooperation and reciprocal buybacks.
Reuven Azar said the countries have different market sizes and Israel has already lowered its tariffs, which could make negotiations difficult.
He said working together on high-tech and innovation could bring the greatest benefits.
This cooperation could also help Israeli companies work more freely in India.
Israel expects two additional rounds of negotiations with India on a proposed free trade agreement.
The next round is expected in October, with a final round probably by February 2027.
The second negotiation round took place last month after terms of reference were agreed at the end of last year.
Talks cover traditional market access, reciprocal buybacks and cooperation, but differences in tariffs and market size may pose challenges.
Israeli Ambassador Reuven Azar said high-tech and innovation cooperation offer the greatest potential for expanding economic ties.
- Who
- India, Israel and Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar.
- What
- The countries are negotiating a proposed free trade agreement and expect two more rounds of talks.
- Where
- The negotiations concern India and Israel; Azar discussed them in New Delhi.
- When
- The second round was held last month; another is expected in October and the final round probably by February 2027.
- Why
- To address trade access and expand economic, technology and investment cooperation between the two countries.
Key facts
- Countries
- India and Israel
- Agreement
- Proposed India-Israel free trade agreement
- Negotiations completed
- Two rounds, including the second round held last month
- Remaining rounds
- One expected in October and a final round probably by February 2027
- Topics
- Market access, reciprocal buybacks and cooperation
- Challenge
- Different market sizes and Israel’s already-lowered tariffs
- Greatest potential
- High-tech and innovation cooperation
Quotes
Reuven Azar
Israeli Ambassador to India
“"We expect to have two more rounds, one in October and probably the last one by February and I think that by then we will know exactly where we stand."”
thehansindia.com
freepressjournal.in
thehansindia.com
“The greatest potential, I think, lies in high-tech cooperation.”
freepressjournal.in
Sources
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