New Delhi: India is set to deepen defence cooperation with Israel during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming two day visit, with an MoU on security cooperation expected to be signed. The proposed agreements have triggered concern among human rights advocates who question closer military ties amid Israel’s ongoing actions in Palestine.
India plans to procure advanced drones, long range missiles and laser based defence systems. Officials aim to integrate these platforms into a multi layered air defence network to counter missile and drone threats. During Operation Sindoor last year, Indian forces deployed Israeli systems such as Rampage missiles, Harpy loitering munitions and Harop drones.
Israel has begun deploying Iron Beam, a 100 kilowatt class laser weapon designed to work alongside its Iron Dome shield. India’s DRDO has developed a 30 kilowatt Directed Energy Weapon known as Mk II A. India is also developing Sudarshan Chakra, an indigenous air defence programme targeted for 2035. The planned cooperation includes technologies similar to Iron Dome, Arrow and David’s Sling systems, along with integration of Barak 8 platforms supported by AI and advanced sensors.
A Forbes India report states that Israel has agreed to arms deals worth 8.6 billion dollars with India in 2026. The package includes SPICE 1000 precision guidance bombs, Rampage air to surface missiles with a 250 km range, Air Lora ballistic missiles and the IceBreaker missile system with a 300 km range.
Prime Minister Netanyahu described the partnership as a powerful alliance. Prime Minister Modi said India values its friendship with Israel.
Human rights groups argue that expanding ties with Israel as it commits a genocide in Gaza raises serious ethical concerns and challenges India’s long standing support for Palestinian rights.
