<h1>Bilateral investment deal paves way for reciprocal investments, UPI payments link, rupee settlements, and faster free trade talks</h1> A bilateral investment agreement was signed to facilitate reciprocal investments and the countries are pursuing deeper economic ties, including negotiations on a free trade agreement that officials say could be concluded quickly. Authorities are working on a payments link to enable transactions using India's UPI system and the Israeli payment infrastructure, allowing payments in local currency (rupees) in the other jurisdiction, with officials indicating a possible operational start by end of Q1 2026. Plans also include a financial protocol to support infrastructure financing and greater participation of foreign firms in public tenders.