Israel's Strategic Move Towards India

Nir Barkat, Israel's minister for economy and industry, recently led a significant business delegation to India. In an exclusive interview, Barkat shared his optimism about deepening business ties across various sectors. He emphasized the alignment of interests between Israel and India, particularly in technology and innovation, aiming to scale up global business opportunities together.

Why India Now?

According to Barkat, the current geopolitical climate, influenced by the American President Donald Trump, presents a unique opportunity for Israel and India to collaborate. Israel's technological prowess combined with India's scaling capabilities offers a promising partnership. Barkat views India not just as a local market but as a hub for regional and international expansion.

Sectors of Interest

Israel is keen on several sectors including high-tech, health and life sciences, agro tech, food tech, aqua tech, and homeland security. With 2,000 companies in health life sciences, Israel is second only to the US. The country's expertise in desert tech and climate change is also noteworthy, given that 60% of Israel is desert. Homeland security, especially in combating terror, is another area where Israel seeks to share its knowledge with friendly nations like India.

Indian Companies' Response

During his visit, Barkat noted the enthusiastic collaboration between Israeli and Indian companies. The exchange of knowledge and the prospect of a reciprocal mission from India to Israel indicate a fundamentally different approach to business collaboration. This mutual interest lays a strong foundation for future partnerships.

Security and Business Opportunities

Addressing concerns about the security situation, Barkat argued that it's the best time for business, citing a spike in innovation post-conflict. Drawing from his experience as a combat officer, he highlighted the resilience and creativity that emerge from challenges. Israel's focus on international partnerships, especially with India, underscores the potential for mutual growth and success.

Manpower and Outsourcing

Barkat also mentioned Israel's need for both skilled and unskilled workers, proposing to increase the number of people coming to work in Israel. He emphasized the positive reception of Indian employees in Israel and the potential for outsourcing to India, further strengthening the economic ties between the two nations.