During the recent visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India and Israel signed 16 new agreements aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two countries.
One of the key highlights of these agreements includes plans to allow around 50,000 additional Indian workers to travel to Israel over the next five years. Most of these workers are expected to be employed in the manufacturing and construction sectors.
The move comes after major changes in Israel’s labor market following October 2023, when a large number of Palestinian workers were restricted from entering the country due to security concerns.
As a result, Indian workers gradually began filling the workforce gap, helping maintain ongoing construction projects and industrial operations.
Reports indicate that by mid-2025, more than 20,000 Indian workers were already working in Israel, taking on roles previously handled by Palestinian laborers. Their presence has played an important role in supporting economic activity, particularly in infrastructure development and housing construction.
The newly signed agreements reflect growing strategic and economic ties between India and Israel. However, the development has also sparked discussions among analysts and observers about changing labor dynamics in the region.
Some experts believe the increasing reliance on foreign workers, especially low-cost labor, could influence economic and political conditions in the future.
While both governments view the partnership as beneficial for employment opportunities and economic cooperation, debates continue regarding workforce replacement, labor rights, and the long-term social impact of shifting employment patterns within Israel’s economy.
