India and Israel Strengthen Economic Ties with New Investments

Economic relations between India and Israel are gaining significant momentum, with key industry leaders from both nations indicating an optimistic environment for collaboration. Investments are set to increase in sectors such as manufacturing, food, water technology, and cybersecurity, further reinforcing this burgeoning partnership.

Optimism Among Industry Leaders

Avi Balashnikov, Chairman of the Board of the Israel Export & International Cooperation Institute, noted the recent high-level exchanges as indicative of a growing confidence between the two countries. He remarked, “This is actually, we just came back from India… and the impression is very, very big.” Balashnikov emphasized that “friendship, pure friendship… give the right formula for good businesses,” suggesting that enhanced economic ties will lead to “more jobs and jobs,” ultimately benefitting both economies.

Ron Tomer, President of the Manufacturers Association of Israel, echoed Balashnikov’s sentiments, highlighting the importance of a positive political and business climate for fostering economic growth. “If there is a good atmosphere, it’s good for business,” he stated, underscoring the significant potential for cooperation that exists between India and Israel.

Sector-Specific Developments

In the food industry, Inderjeet Kaur Arora, CEO of LT Foods, discussed her company’s prominent position in the Israeli premium rice market. LT Foods, which operates under the Daawat brand, commands “about 40% of the market share in the premium segment” and has established a strong presence in Israel over the past 15 years. Arora added, “Everybody here in Israel knows Daawat,” indicating the brand’s deep market penetration and plans for further expansion.

The cybersecurity sector is also poised for growth, with Check Point’s CEO, Nadav Zafrir, highlighting India’s strategic role in the company’s global operations. He described a recent meeting with Indian officials as “a wonderful discussion” and pointed out that Check Point is currently “protecting some of the most critical infrastructure” in India. The company is set to enhance its presence by recruiting more talent, taking advantage of India’s expertise in “deep tech” and network engineering.

Water technology is another area where collaboration is deepening. Alon Tavor, CEO of IDE Technologies, reaffirmed the company’s long-standing relationship with India. He praised the Indian leadership, noting that the minister was “one of the most impressive guys,” and highlighted IDE’s 25-year partnership with Reliance and other local firms. Tavor emphasized that water management is “a big issue in India,” and the company plans to establish a centre of excellence in Mumbai, projected to open in 2026, which will expand beyond its initial team size.

The growing economic ties between India and Israel are not only a reflection of political goodwill but also a testament to the potential for real-world impact through collaborative ventures. As investments in these key sectors increase, both nations are likely to experience enhanced economic growth and job creation.