NEW DELHI: India and Israel have significantly strengthened their military and economic ties over several decades. Israel established its consulate in Mumbai in 1953, marking the beginning of military exports in the 1960s.
Recent developments include:
-In June 2024, India exported 27 tons of ammunition to Israel from Chennai.
-In 2018, Israel’s Elbit Systems partnered with India’s Adani Group to manufacture Hermes 900 drones in southern India.
-Following events in October 2023, India reportedly allowed Israeli firms to hire 100,000 Indian workers, replacing 90,000 Palestinian workers whose permits were revoked.
Over the past decade, India has imported $2.9 billion worth of military equipment from Israel, including drones, missiles, radar, and surveillance systems, with some deployed in Kashmir.
India stands out among BRICS and Global South countries for its robust support of Israel, particularly evident in joint ventures in arms manufacturing and intelligence.
These developments occur against the backdrop of Middle Eastern conflicts and tensions in Kashmir, prompting questions about the geopolitical implications of this growing partnership.
