India Schedules Trade Talks with Israel in January, Russia in February 2026
India is advancing its trade diplomacy with scheduled FTA negotiations in early 2026. Commerce Ministry officials will meet Israeli counterparts in January for pre-round negotiations covering framework development, market access, and comprehensive sectoral coverage including technology, defence, and services. This follows the Terms of Reference signed in Tel Aviv on November 20. In February, after the Union Budget, India's team will travel to Russia for second-round India-EAEU FTA discussions focusing on reducing non-tariff barriers and addressing regulatory overlaps between Russian, EAEU, and European rules.
*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
India is advancing its trade diplomacy agenda with scheduled negotiations for two significant free-trade agreements in early 2026. Government sources have confirmed that Commerce Ministry officials will meet Israeli counterparts in January 2026, followed by discussions with Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union representatives in February.
India-Israel FTA Pre-Negotiations
The January 2026 meetings in New Delhi will focus on pre-round negotiations with Israel, building upon the Terms of Reference signed on November 20 in Tel Aviv. These preliminary discussions will address critical foundational elements for the comprehensive trade agreement.
| Focus Area | Details |
|---|---|
| Framework Development | Setting up structural foundation for FTA |
| Gateway Issues | Market access mechanisms and procedures |
| Negotiation Timeline | Schedule for formal agreement discussions |
| Coverage Scope | Market access and trade liberalization |
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has outlined that the proposed agreement will progressively eliminate tariff barriers and reduce non-tariff barriers through fast-tracked approvals and improved market access.
Comprehensive Sectoral Coverage
The India-Israel FTA discussions are expected to encompass multiple high-value sectors beyond traditional trade. The agreement will cover investment facilitation, customs procedure simplification, and technology transfer arrangements.
| Sector Category | Specific Areas |
|---|---|
| Technology | Fintech, agritech, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity |
| Strategic Sectors | Defence, space, R&D, innovation |
| Agriculture | Drip irrigation systems and techniques |
| Services | IT, tourism, BPO collaboration |
The services sector is expected to benefit significantly, with provisions for skilled Indian professionals to work in Israel, creating enhanced opportunities for qualified workforce mobility.
India-EAEU Trade Negotiations
Following the Union Budget 2026, India's negotiating team will travel to Russia in February for second-round discussions on the FTA with the Eurasian Economic Union. The EAEU comprises Russia, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Belarus, and Kyrgyzstan, with Cuba, Moldova, and Uzbekistan holding observer status.
| Trade Initiative | Timeline | Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| India-Israel FTA | January 2026 | Framework and gateway issues |
| India-EAEU FTA | February 2026 | Non-tariff barrier reduction |
Russia has already relaxed import requirements for Indian marine products and is considering further easing measures. The February talks will specifically address reducing non-tariff barriers for Indian exports to the EAEU bloc.
Regulatory Clarity Initiatives
India aims to resolve exporter concerns arising from regulatory overlaps between Russian, EAEU, and European rules. Government sources indicate that New Delhi will seek clarity on labelling requirements for exports, particularly products requiring Russian-language labels on or within packaging.
These negotiations represent India's continued momentum in trade diplomacy, building on three FTAs signed in 2025. The structured approach to both agreements demonstrates India's commitment to expanding its global trade partnerships through comprehensive and mutually beneficial arrangements.
16
