New Delhi, A historic high-level CEO delegation from Israel, led by the Minister of Economy and Industry, His Excellency MK Nir Barkat, successfully concluded its visit to India following an invitation from His Excellency Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industry of India. The visit underscored the growing partnership between the two nations and marked a significant step forward in deepening economic collaboration across key sectors. The delegation, comprising over 100 top Israeli CEOs from Healthcare, Cyber & HLS, Energy, Automotive, Retail, logistics and Hi-Tech sectors, showcased Israel’s innovative spirit and advanced capabilities. Over the course of the two-day visit, an Israel-India Business Forum was held in partnership with CII alongside a closed-door CEO Forum discussion which was led by MAI and FICCI from both sides. These events brought together over 400 business leaders from key Indian industries, fostering meaningful connections and opening new avenues for bilateral trade, investment, and innovation.
Israel and India: Partners in Progress: Israel and India share a rich history of collaboration across multiple domains, including agriculture, defence, water technology, and high-tech industries. This delegation’s visit marked a significant milestone in elevating economic cooperation to new heights. With Israel’s global reputation for innovation and India’s dynamic market and robust manufacturing base, the partnership holds immense potential for mutual growth.
A Vision for Collaboration: During the visit, Minister Nir Barkat emphasized the strategic importance of the delegation’s mission: “This historic delegation marks a new era of economic collaboration between Israel and India. We are here not just to do business, but to forge lasting strategic partnerships that will drive mutual growth. Together, we will turn opportunities into success stories and pave the way for a more prosperous future for both countries.”
Natasha Zangin, Economic Counselor at the Embassy of Israel in New Delhi, highlighted the significance of the delegation: “This was the third visit of Minister Barkat to New Delhi in the past two years, and this time, he led one of the biggest business delegations to ever leave Israel. This is a real testament to the importance and potential that our business community sees in India. Israel’s three Economic Missions based in India are acting as the bridge, facilitating business and partnership opportunities between both ecosystems.”
Reuven Azar, Ambassador of Israel to India, added: “The size and profile of the Israeli business delegation visiting India on 10-13 February, led by Minister of Economy Nir Barkat, is a manifestation of unprecedented Israeli interest in the Indian economy. It derives from the rise of India as a global power and the opportunities it creates for us not only as a market but also as a partner for production and an integral part of our chain of supply. This delegation has expanded the scope of business and created more partnerships in hi-tech, innovation, and infrastructure.”
Delegation’s Agenda and Outcomes: The delegation’s agenda included high-level meetings with key Indian business leaders and policymakers, industry-specific discussions, and site visits to explore opportunities in sectors such as advanced manufacturing, fintech, MedTech, agritech, renewable energy, and cybersecurity. These engagements laid the groundwork for future collaborations and strengthened existing ties between the two nations.
About the Israeli Delegation: The delegation was composed of leading CEOs and executives representing Israel’s cutting-edge industries, supported by the Ministry of Economy and Industry. Their mission was to build strong bridges of cooperation, leveraging Israel’s innovation ecosystem to complement India’s economic strengths. This visit has set the stage for a new era of economic partnership between Israel and India, driven by shared goals of innovation, growth, and mutual prosperity.
