India-Israel FTA talks signal how middle-power democracies can shape global economy

Israel’s Economy Minister Nir Barkat recently called India a “huge giant” and an emerging “great power,” highlighting its transition from a promising market to a decisive global player. The signing of the Terms of Reference (ToR) to fast-track a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and Israel marks a strategic milestone, leveraging complementary strengths in innovation, technology, and scale. The partnership spans sectors from defence and cybersecurity to agriculture and healthcare, with both nations acting as force multipliers rather than competitors. Beyond trade, the FTA reflects deeper strategic alignment, showcasing how middle-power democracies can collaborate to shape the global economy.