India and Israel formally kicked off talks on a freetrade agreement (FTA) last week, Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said in a post on X. The FTA could unlock cooperation in sectors including agri-tech, cybersecurity, defense, water desalination, fintech, and smart mobility, the minister said during an address to CEO Forum in Tel Aviv. Israel has agreed not to seek market access in sensitive Indian agricultural sectors such as dairy, wheat, rice, and sugar, which was a significant point for Indian farmers, the minister added.

INDIA + AUSTRALIA + CANADA-

India, Australia + Canada launch new tech alliance: India, Australia, and Canada launched the Australia-Canada-India Technology and Innovation partnership to boost cooperation on critical and emerging technologies, according to an External Affairs Ministry statement. The partnership will complement existing bilateral ties by focusing on green energy innovation, resilient supply chains for critical minerals, and the mass adoption of AI. The initiative also aims to align the three nations on net-zero goals while diversifying supply chains for a “secure, sustainable, and resilient future,” the ministry said.

INDIA + KUWAIT-

Indian and Kuwaiti officials discussed strengthening cooperation on anti-money laundering and terrorism financing during a meeting in New Delhi, Kuwait Times reports. India and Kuwait signed an MoU in July to enhance cooperation between their financial intelligence units, particularly to tackle anti-money laundering and terrorism-financing, the news outlet added.

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