Amid deepening strategic ties and discussions around Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and Israel gaining momentum, the State Bank of India (SBI), the only Indian bank with a presence in Israel, is looking to facilitate bilateral trade in Indian rupees."In view of India's significant trade flows from/to its partner countries and growing interest among the global trading community to trade in the Indian rupee, it has been envisaged by our banking regulators, i.e. Reserve Bank of India, to permit India ...

Financial Inclusion and Democratization - Finance is no longer exclusive but inclusive, common, and everywhere, accessible through digital means like apps, QR codes, and UPI [5][6] - Tokenization allows everyday people to participate in wealth creation by breaking down large assets into tiny tradable pieces, making investments accessible with small amounts like 100 rupees [16][17] - The RBI's digital rupee pilot program has the potential to reshape payments as a central bank-backed programmable currency [18] Economic Growth and Empowerment - MSMEs and startups are driving real change and building lives, particularly for women entrepreneurs who are creating opportunities and accessing credit through dedicated government schemes [7][8][9] - Rural entrepreneurs are turning tradition into enterprise with seed funding, mentorship, and tax benefits, achieving financial independence [11] - India is exporting confidence and promoting its currency through special rupee Vostro accounts with over 30 countries, reducing reliance on foreign exchange [12][13] Technological Transformation - The intersection of finance and technology is driving innovation, with examples like QR code payments for everyday transactions [4] - Cryptocurrency and tokenization are reshaping the financial world by providing autonomy and infrastructure that doesn't rely on traditional intermediaries [14][15] - Finance is evolving with technology, empowering individuals to take control, make informed choices, and participate in the financial system [3][22]