In an exclusive interview with NDTV, Israeli Economy and Industry Minister Nir Barkat struck a positive, direct note as Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on his two-day visit to Israel, referring to India as "a gateway to Asia" and forecasting that the long-awaited India-Israel Free Trade Agreement might be finalized sooner than anticipated.Yes, it's quite thrilling. We all in Israel adore India. We adore Indians. Barkat emphasized the warmth that has come to characterize relations between the two democracies by saying, "We love the people-to-people relationship." He cited the close relationship between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Prime Minister Modi as a multiplier of power. "The fact that Prime Minister Netanyahu and Prime Minister Modi get along so well--that matters," he stated.

Accelerating the FTA
Barkat disclosed that trade talks are firmly on the "fast track." The impetus increased following India's Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal's visit to Israel late last year, he added. "We have a mission from Israel in India negotiating the free trade agreement between us," he said.We were quite aware that we wanted to proceed quickly.As early as this year, we hope to create something noteworthy. And I think that is feasible."
Barkat remained upbeat despite being under pressure to meet deadlines in light of India's growing trade footprint, which includes agreements with the US, the UK, New Zealand, and Oman in addition to temporary agreements with the US. Regarding a 2026 goal, he remarked, "Hopefully so," before grinning and saying, "This puzzle thing is possible."

Why Israel Cares About India
When asked why India's economy is so important to Israel, Barkat described the partnership as being quite complimentary. "What we do--we're innovative, we have new ideas, cutting-edge technology--but we're 10 million people," he stated. "So it's difficult for us to scale to the magnitude that India knows how to do."
He maintained that the image is completed by India's size and trajectory. With 1.4 billion inhabitants, India is currently growing into the third largest economy. We see India as a doorway to Asia, which accounts for 59% of the global population.We think outside the box, yet we must think inside the box, don't we? "And the box is India," he continued.

Beyond a Corridor: IMEC
Another significant aspect was the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), which was launched during the G20 but has since delayed due to regional unrest. Barkat stated that now that a ceasefire was in place, the idea could proceed from conception to implementation. "It's a lovely vision, to start. And I think there's a chance to realize that goal right now."
IMEC is "not just a corridor...it's for energy, for information and data, for transportation—way over and beyond just a little corridor," he said." "Additional steps with the Saudis and Iraq" will be required, he said, but Israel is planning its gateways, from the Haifa port into Europe and eastern links toward Jordan and Iraq.

Adani, Infrastructure, and Haifa
Barkat praised the Adani Group's management of the Haifa port and Indian investment in Israel. "Adani was incredibly intelligent. We are aware that they control many Indian ports. He now owns one of our ports in Haifa," he stated. Barkat went on to say, "We're here to help them succeed," indicating that he was open to further Indian bids for Israeli infrastructure. "I'm committed to helping Indian companies succeed in Israel." 'Ancient Ties and Tough Negotiators
The minister talked about negotiation tactics in a lighthearted way. Goyal is "tough on the outside, but really soft on the inside," according to Barkat, who also said that both parties had "cracked how to make this work together." Additionally, he cited common civilizational origins.

India-Made—And Defense
Barkat made it clear that strategy is determined by scale when it comes to manufacturing and defense collaboration. Israel is 150 times smaller than you. We are unable to manufacture massive goods and export them to India. He argued for local production and collaborative ventures, saying, "It doesn't make sense." "If you've got big products to market, then it makes sense to go and make in India."
When asked explicitly about defense collaboration and the potential for India to produce systems similar to Iron Dome, Barkat was cautious but forthright. "There are talks all across all sectors -- defence, economy, culture, friendship," he stated. "If you're talking about a huge amount of products, then yes, it makes sense to have production in India."

Summing up Israel's priorities, Barkat said, "Side by side with what we're doing with the Americans, my highest priority is making sure that Piyush Goyal and Prime Minister Modi are happy with the relationship with Israel."
The message from Jerusalem is clear as Prime Minister Modi's visit draws near: India is not only a partner but also a key pillar in Israel's strategic and economic destiny.