Israel may sign free trade deal with India this year, says Israeli envoy
India Today
Israel and India are moving toward a Free Trade Agreement, potentially finalised this year. PM Modi's upcoming visit will also deepen defence ties and expand collaboration in technology, infrastructure, and innovation.
Israel and India are moving toward a Free Trade Agreement that could be finalised this year, Israeli Ambassador Reuven Azar said on Monday, ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit to the Jewish nation starting February 25.
In a social media message, Azar said Israel was excited to host PM Modi, describing New Delhi-Tel Aviv ties as a partnership rooted in trust and driven by innovation.
"Namaste. This is an exciting moment for India-Israel relations. We are looking forward to welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Israel. Now, when India and Israel come together, it's never just a meeting. It's a partnership built on trust, powered by innovation, and guided by a clear understanding of the challenges of our time," he said in a post on X.
The Israeli envoy also indicated that the two sides intend to move forward decisively during PM Modi's upcoming visit.
"During this visit, we will move forward decisively. First, on security and defence. India and Israel have worked closely for years and we are proud of this strong cooperation. But the world is changing fast and so are the threats. In order to meet them, we will deepen our defence relationship by updating our security agreements. This will allow us to engage in more sensitive projects and develop together a logical solution," Azar said.
The ambassador said both countries were working towards signing an FTA, with an Israeli delegation expected to arrive in India for negotiations. He expressed hope that the first phase of the trade pact could be completed in the coming weeks, after which pending issues would be taken up.
According to local sources, he has been trying for nearly 12 years to free his land from alleged encroachment by a steel manufacturing company. Following information about the episode, the local Tehsildar, SDM, and police officials rushed to the spot.
As per the Bill, those involved in unlawful conversions on the pretext of marriage will be punished with imprisonment of seven years and shall also be liable for a fine of Rs 1 lakh. Violations in respect of a minor, a person of unsound mind, a woman or a person belonging to the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe will be punished with imprisonment of seven years and a fine of Rs 5 lakh.
A video showing Bhojpuri singer Dhananjay Sharma lifting a female dancer and throwing her into the crowd during a live show has sparked outrage online. Sharma later claimed the dancer misbehaved with him.
Authorities say he coordinated with handlers in India, Pakistan, and abroad, aiming to overthrow democratic governance and establish Sharia law under an ISIS-style caliphate.
A 23-year-old man in Panipat was murdered by three friends after he allegedly applied Holi colour to one accused's lover. The accused got him drunk, attacked him with a screwdriver and placed him alive on a railway track to make the killing look like an accident.
Responding to media queries, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the government "categorically rejects" the report and its characterisation of India. He said the commission has repeatedly presented a "distorted and selective picture" of the country.
The NDA won all five Rajya Sabha seats from Bihar after four Opposition MLAs skipped voting, dealing a setback to the Mahagathbandhan. The alliance also secured two seats in Odisha amid cross-voting by Opposition MLAs during the biennial polls.
A 46,000-tonne LPG shipment aboard Shivalik reached Gujarat's Mundra Port, carrying around 32 lakh domestic cylinders, as authorities rushed supplies to ease shortages triggered by disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
India depends on imports to meet its demand for urea, one of the most widely-used fertilisers in India.
India Today's OSINT team identified at least 22 Indian-flagged vessels operating in the Gulf region, including seven LPG carriers, seven oil tankers, four container ships, two bulk carriers, one tug and one dredger.
India on Monday said it has not held bilateral talks with the United States on deploying naval vessels to secure merchant shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The clarification came after US President Donald Trump urged countries to send warships to keep the strategic waterway open amid tensions with Iran.
After attacking his wife, Nafees attempted suicide by inflicting injuries on himself with the same scissors. Neighbours intervened after hearing the commotion and stopped him from taking his own life.
The victim, identified as Naitik Kumar, allegedly rammed his speeding Bullet motorcycle into a scooter near Janeshwar Mishra Park in Lucknow, triggering a crash that left him dead and two others injured.