India’s strategic partnership with Israel is strengthening amidst the changing geopolitical landscape in the Middle East. Over the past three decades, the relationship has progressed from limited diplomatic interactions to a robust security and technology alliance, as highlighted in a report by the US-based think tank ‘Middle East Forum’.
Mutual concerns over terrorism, regional instability, and security challenges have played a significant role in fostering closer ties between India and Israel. The report emphasizes Israel’s reliability as a defense and technological partner for India, even as New Delhi maintains strong ties with Arab states as part of its broader Middle East strategy.
The cooperation between the two countries has expanded over the years to encompass intelligence sharing, missile systems, surveillance technologies, and counterterrorism efforts. Israel’s expertise in defense innovation, cybersecurity, and advanced military technology has positioned it as a crucial partner for India.
A key milestone in the bilateral relationship is the 2025 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on joint development and co-production. This agreement signifies the convergence of strategic interests, with Israel collaborating with India to diversify partnerships and mitigate vulnerabilities in a volatile regional environment, while India aims to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers and enhance indigenous defense capabilities under initiatives like ‘Make in India’.
Co-production and technology transfer have become central aspects of the India-Israel relationship, with Israel ranking among India’s top defense partners. Intelligence cooperation, counterterrorism strategies, and border security technology are also vital components as both nations confront hostile challenges.
In the past decade, India has also expanded its engagement with the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and other regional actors in various sectors including trade, investment, energy, and security cooperation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been honored by several Gulf Arab states with their highest civilian awards in recognition of his efforts to enhance bilateral relations.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed India’s strong cooperation in national security with Israel, noting Israel’s support during times of national security threats.
