February 8 – Israel’s Minister of Economy and Industry, Nir Barkat, will lead the country’s largest-ever multi-sectoral business delegation to India next week, aiming to deepen economic ties and expand trade opportunities. This visit marks Barkat’s third official trip to New Delhi, reinforcing the growing partnership between the two nations.
The two-day visit begins on Monday, featuring high-profile meetings, including a key discussion with India’s Commerce and Industry Minister, Piyush Goyal.
Unprecedented Business Delegation
The delegation comprises over 100 leading Israeli companies spanning healthcare, energy, cybersecurity, defence, homeland security (HLS), agritech, smart mobility, water technology, and food technology, among others. Officials emphasize that this initiative reflects Israel’s commitment to diversifying trade and investment partnerships with India.
This historic mission is being coordinated by the Ministry of Economy & Industry (Israel) and the Ministry of Commerce & Industry (India). Major Israeli business organizations—including the Israel Export Institute, Federation of Israeli Chambers of Commerce, and The Manufacturers Association of Israel—are participating, while India’s FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry) and CII (Confederation of Indian Industry) are taking the lead from the Indian side.
Strategic Business Engagements
The visit will include:
✅ A high-level business forum
✅ Exclusive B2B meetings with top Indian enterprises
✅ A closed-door CEOs Forum nominated by both governments
✅ An Invest India session under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)
✅ Roundtables and industry visits
Additionally, the Israeli delegation will participate in the India Energy Week, a crucial event aimed at fostering collaboration in energy innovation and sustainability.
Expanding Trade Amidst Regional Stability
With ceasefire agreements holding in Israel’s north and south, business leaders are optimistic about renewed economic momentum. The resumption of Air India’s direct flights to Israel from March 2 is expected to further enhance trade and connectivity.
During his last visit to India in April 2023, Barkat had proposed bringing skilled Indian workers to address Israel’s severe labor shortages. Since the war with Hamas erupted on October 7, 2023, Israel has already welcomed 13,000 Indian workers in the construction sector, with plans to expand employment in multiple industries.
Historically, diamonds have been the cornerstone of India-Israel trade since diplomatic ties were formalized in 1992. However, economic collaboration has now diversified into six key areas:
🔹 Advanced Manufacturing
🔹 Climate & Desert Tech
🔹 Agro & Food Tech
🔹 Defence & Homeland Security (HLS)
🔹 High-Tech Innovation
🔹 Life Sciences & Healthcare
As Israel and India continue to strengthen their economic ties, this visit is poised to unlock new trade opportunities and strategic investments, paving the way for a new era of bilateral cooperation.
