India And Israel Sign Bilateral Investment Agreement

India And Israel Sign Bilateral Investment Agreement

India/Israel: India and Israel have signed a Bilateral Investment Agreement (BIA) in New Delhi, aimed at strengthening investment protection and promoting trade between the two countries. The agreement was signed by India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich in the presence of senior officials from both governments. It includes provisions for investor protection, transparency, compensation for losses, safeguards against expropriation, and dispute resolution through arbitration. The BIA is expected to provide greater certainty to investors while maintaining the regulatory rights of both states. Current bilateral investments stand at USD 800 million, with the agreement expected to further boost trade and investment opportunities.

Both ministers highlighted opportunities for collaboration in fintech, infrastructure, financial regulation, cybersecurity, defence, and high-technology sectors. They also reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing economic cooperation and promoting reciprocal investment. During the meeting, India expressed condolences over lives lost in a terrorist attack in Israel, and both sides acknowledged shared challenges relating to security. The Israeli Finance Minister extended an invitation to his Indian counterpart to visit Israel as part of ongoing efforts to deepen bilateral economic ties.

Source: Ministry of Finance