Post by : Rameen Ariff

India and Israel advanced their defence relationship by signing a fresh Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on defence cooperation during the 17th India-Israel Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting in Tel Aviv. The session was co-chaired by India’s Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Major General (Res.) Amir Baram, Director General at Israel’s Ministry of Defence.

The MoU sets out to create a coordinated policy framework and a shared strategic direction to deepen bilateral defence collaboration. It establishes mechanisms for technology exchange and for pursuing joint development and production across fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, defence innovation and research and development.

Both sides reiterated their intent to enhance operational capabilities and to tackle mutual security threats, including terrorism. The JWG reviewed active projects and highlighted the value of sustained cooperation, particularly in fostering defence innovation and joint industrial ventures.

India and Israel maintain a trusted security partnership driven by common objectives and technological synergies. Israel continues to be one of India’s key defence collaborators, contributing to India’s capability upgrades and ongoing modernisation programmes.

The timing of the agreement coincided with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar’s visit to New Delhi, where he met External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar. Saar described India as “a global superpower” and praised the expanding strategic and technological ties between the two democracies.

The pact marks a shift from conventional defence trade toward deeper, technology-led cooperation and joint innovation. It underscores both countries’ intent to co-develop forward-looking defence solutions as geopolitical and security challenges evolve.

#Global