Image Source : X
In a major diplomatic and economic milestone, India and Israel have officially signed a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT), aimed at enhancing investor confidence and deepening financial cooperation between the two nations. The announcement was confirmed by India’s Finance Ministry via its official social media handle, coinciding with the visit of Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to India from September 8 to 10, 2025.
The treaty marks a significant step forward in Indo-Israeli relations, laying the groundwork for a future Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and expanding the scope for collaboration in fintech, infrastructure, and innovation-led sectors.
Key Highlights From The Treaty Signing
- The BIT provides legal safeguards for investors from both countries, ensuring fair treatment and protection against expropriation
- It includes provisions for non-discrimination, transparency, and access to independent arbitration for dispute resolution
- The agreement is expected to catalyse bilateral investments, particularly in high-tech, manufacturing, and financial services
- The signing follows the conclusion of negotiations that had been underway for several months
- The treaty aligns with global standards and mirrors similar agreements Israel has signed with over 15 countries since 2000
Investor Protection And Economic Confidence
The BIT is designed to offer a robust legal framework that protects investments made by Israeli entities in India and vice versa. It guarantees a minimum standard of treatment, ensures regulatory clarity, and provides mechanisms for compensation in case of losses due to political or economic disruptions.
- Investors will benefit from predictable policy environments and reduced risk exposure
- The treaty includes clauses for smooth fund transfers and dispute resolution through international arbitration
- It is expected to encourage long-term capital inflows and joint ventures across sectors
Strategic Visits And Diplomatic Engagement
The signing of the BIT comes during Finance Minister Smotrich’s three-day visit to India, which includes meetings with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, and Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. His itinerary also includes visits to Mumbai and the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), India’s flagship financial services hub.
- This marks the fourth visit by an Israeli minister to India in 2025, underscoring growing strategic ties
- Previous visits included ministers from tourism, economy, and agriculture, reflecting multi-sectoral engagement
- The GIFT City visit highlights Israel’s interest in India’s fintech and financial infrastructure ecosystem
Trade And Investment Landscape
India and Israel currently share an annual bilateral trade volume of nearly USD 4 billion. Between April 2000 and March 2025, cumulative Indian investment in Israel reached USD 443 million, while Israel’s foreign direct investment into India stood at USD 334.2 million. The BIT is expected to significantly accelerate these figures by creating a more resilient and investor-friendly environment.
- Key sectors for investment include cybersecurity, agritech, clean energy, and digital payments
- Israel’s strength in innovation complements India’s scale and market potential
- The treaty is expected to unlock new opportunities for co-financing projects in third countries, especially in the global south
Fintech And Innovation Collaboration
Both nations are exploring deeper collaboration in fintech, leveraging India’s digital infrastructure and financial inclusion platforms like UPI, alongside Israel’s global leadership in cybersecurity, blockchain, and payment technologies.
- Joint ventures in fintech are expected to emerge from this framework
- GIFT City may serve as a launchpad for Indo-Israeli financial innovation partnerships
- The BIT provides a foundation for regulatory harmonisation and cross-border tech investments
Conclusion: A New Chapter In Indo-Israeli Economic Partnership
The signing of the Bilateral Investment Treaty between India and Israel marks a transformative moment in their strategic relationship. By institutionalising investor protections and fostering capital flows, the agreement sets the stage for expanded trade, innovation, and diplomatic engagement. As both nations look toward a future FTA, the BIT serves as a cornerstone for mutual growth and global competitiveness.
Sources: MSN India, Times of India, Business Standard, HDFC Sky
Advertisement
Advertisement
