Israel Trade Mission India
Israel’s Economy and Industry Minister Nir Barkat has announced plans to lead the largest-ever trade mission to India on February 11, highlighting the strong and evolving partnership between the two nations. Speaking at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Mr. Barkat emphasized the growing collaboration in technology, health tech, agro tech, and security, underpinned by the close ties between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Mr. Barkat expressed his gratitude to PM Modi for being the first global leader to call and offer support to Israel on October 7, following a series of terrorist attacks by Hamas. This gesture, he noted, solidified the bond between the two nations. “We will never forget that,” he said, underscoring the importance of India’s consistent support for Israel.
The upcoming trade mission is expected to include a delegation of chief executives, entrepreneurs, and trade leaders focusing on sectors like high-tech, food tech, desert tech, and advanced industries. This collaboration aligns with India’s Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, creating opportunities for both nations to enhance economic and technological partnerships.
Strengthening Economic Corridors
Mr. Barkat highlighted Israel’s commitment to the India-Middle East-Europe economic corridor, a transformative initiative aimed at boosting connectivity and trade. This corridor links Mumbai to Haifa and onward to Europe, integrating strategic partners like Saudi Arabia and Jordan. He emphasized that Israel is “open for business” and aims to strengthen regional collaborations to enhance global trade.
Shared Challenges and Opportunities
Both nations share a history of facing terrorism and have cooperated extensively in counter-terrorism efforts. Mr. Barkat stressed the need for strategic actions against entities like Hamas and their sponsors, including Iran and Qatar. “Hamas cannot survive after this exchange of bringing our hostages back. Strategically, it must be replaced with people that recognize the state of Israel and are peace-seeking,” he stated.
Additionally, the Israeli minister discussed the importance of expanding the Abraham Accords, which have normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations since 2020. He expressed optimism about including countries like Saudi Arabia and Indonesia in these agreements, fostering peace and economic growth in the region.
India-Israel Synergy
The synergy between India’s scale and Israel’s technological expertise offers immense potential for collaboration. Mr. Barkat noted the high interest among Israeli businesses to deepen ties with India. “India is now the highest priority for me as Minister of Economy and Industry,” he said, emphasizing his mission to translate the trusted relationship into tangible business opportunities.
Mr. Barkat also acknowledged India’s focus on sustainable development and innovation, which aligns with Israel’s capabilities in advanced industries. He mentioned ongoing discussions to resolve minor logistical and operational challenges, ensuring mutual benefits from the partnership.
Building a Shared Future
The robust personal chemistry between PM Modi and PM Netanyahu has been pivotal in fostering a strong bilateral relationship. Mr. Barkat’s mission underscores the shared vision of both nations to create a future defined by innovation, security, and economic growth. By combining Israel’s expertise in technology with India’s vast market and developmental goals, the two countries are poised to achieve unprecedented milestones in their partnership.
As the Davos summit continues to explore global challenges and opportunities, India and Israel’s collaborative efforts stand out as a model of mutual growth and resilience.
Refrence From: www.ndtv.com