Tel Aviv [Israel], January 1 (ANI): The Indian Embassy in Israel on Thursday described 2025 as a year of major milestones in India-Israel relations and expressed optimism for even stronger cooperation in 2026.
In a post on X, the Embassy highlighted several key developments in bilateral ties over the past year, including high-level visits, the signing of a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) and a Defence Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), and the finalisation of the Terms of Reference for negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
The Embassy also pointed to the India-Israel CEOs’ Forum as an important platform for deepening business engagement between the two countries.
“2025 marked major milestones in India-Israel ties—from high-level bilateral visits and the signing of the BIT and Defence Cooperation MoU, to finalising the ToR for FTA negotiations and holding the India-Israel CEOs’ Forum,” the post read.
The Embassy said cultural and academic ties also flourished in 2025, with celebrations of International Yoga Day, the Holi-Purim Festival, Indian Film Festivals, the establishment of multiple “Bharat Corners,” and the launch of the India Chair at Tel Aviv University.
“As we roll into 2026, a Joint Working Plan sets the course for even stronger cooperation in technology, defence, trade, and beyond. May 2026 herald a new era of deeper India-Israel bonds, shared growth, and prosperity,” the Embassy added.
India and Israel maintained robust engagement across a wide range of sectors in 2025, including defence, technology, trade, agriculture, science, and culture.
In February, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), in collaboration with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and the Embassy of Israel, hosted the India-Israel Business Forum and the third India-Israel CEOs’ Forum in New Delhi. The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in areas such as technology and innovation, agriculture and healthcare, defence and homeland security, energy and water management, and investment facilitation.
Economic ties were further boosted in September when India and Israel signed a Bilateral Investment Agreement in New Delhi to enhance trade and mutual investment and provide greater certainty and protection for investors. The agreement was signed by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.
In November, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal’s visit to Israel marked another key step, with the signing of the Terms of Reference for the proposed India-Israel Free Trade Agreement. Both sides reiterated their commitment to advancing trade, investment, and technological cooperation.
Defence cooperation also progressed in November with the signing of a Defence Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding during the 17th meeting of the India-Israel Joint Working Group on defence, held in Tel Aviv.
Cultural and academic engagement expanded under the Government of India’s “Bharat Ek Parichay” initiative, with Bharat Corners established at leading Israeli universities, including Tel Aviv University, the University of Haifa, Bar-Ilan University, and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Responding to the Embassy’s post, Israel’s Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, described 2025 as a “very special year” for bilateral ties and expressed hope for an even stronger partnership in the year ahead.
“Indeed, 2025 was a very special year for Israel-India relations. Let’s make 2026 even better,” Azar said in a post on X. (ANI)
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