Context:

Recently, India and Israel have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on defence cooperation during the 17th meeting of the Joint Working Group (JWG) on defence collaboration held in Tel Aviv. The MoU provides a unified framework for future cooperation, co-development, and co-production in the defence sector, reaffirming the robust and enduring partnership between the two nations.

Key Highlights of the MoU:

• • Signed by:
    Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Maj Gen (Res) Amir Baram, Director General, Israeli Ministry of Defense.
  • Objective:
    To offer policy direction and a strategic vision for enhancing bilateral defence cooperation.
  • Areas of Cooperation Identified:
    • Defence industrial collaboration and technological innovation
    • Science & technology, R&D, and artificial intelligence
    • Cyber security and counter-terrorism
    • Training and strategic dialogues of mutual interest

Significance of the Agreement:

·         Enhances India’s defence capabilities through access to advanced weaponry, drones, and surveillance systems.

·         Strengthens counter-terrorism efforts, as both countries share intelligence and strategies to combat terrorism.

·         Boosts indigenous defence production under India’s Make in India initiative through joint R&D and technology transfer.

·         Promotes military readiness and interoperability via regular joint exercises and training programs.

About India–Israel Defence Relations:

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), for the period of 2020-2024, Israel was India's third-largest arms supplier, accounting for 13% of India's total imports. Russia and France were the top two suppliers

• • Joint development and co-production of advanced systems such as the Barak 8 missile and Drishti-10 Starliner drone (Indian version of Israel’s Hermes-900).
  • Technology sharing and R&D in cutting-edge fields like Artificial Intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and defense innovation.
  • Joint training and military exercises, including aerial combat drills like “Blue Flag” and counter-terrorism training for India’s National Security Guard (NSG).

Conclusion:

The latest MoU symbolises a deepening strategic convergence between India and Israel in defence and security. As both nations face similar regional security challenges and aspire for technological self-reliance, this partnership is poised to become a cornerstone of India’s defence modernisation efforts and a key pillar of its Indo-West Asian diplomacy.