India and Israel have started the first round of negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in a bid to boost commercial ties and promote investments. An official said the four-day talks will conclude on February 26. In November last year, the two countries signed the terms of reference to formally begin negotiations for the pact. In such agreements, both sides significantly reduce or eliminate import duties on most traded goods. These pacts also ease norms to promote trade in services and encourage bilateral investments.
