In the face of growing arms restrictions from Western countries after the Gaza crisis, Israel has realized who its genuine allies are and is looking to India for increased defense cooperation.
Tel Aviv sees New Delhi as an essential manufacturing hub and strategic partner as embargoes from nations like Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Slovenia, Canada, and Japan bite. This change highlights the strengthening of the bilateral relationship, especially in the areas of artificial intelligence, space, and defense.
These priorities will be highlighted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s upcoming visit to India, albeit dates are still up in the air. Speaking during ThePrint’s recent visit at the Israeli government’s request, officials in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem emphasized India’s contribution beyond simple purchases. “We now know who our true pals are. One Israeli source revealed, “We are looking at expanding our bilateral defense cooperation, and India is a friend.”
The goal is to use India as a production base for Israel’s domestic needs as well as its international exports. Israel’s geographical limitations and security weaknesses are addressed by this diversification strategy, which encourages the outsourcing of manufacturing to trustworthy partners. In the upcoming months, sources anticipate increased cooperation.
These priorities will be highlighted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s upcoming visit to India, albeit dates are still up in the air. Speaking during ThePrint’s recent visit at the Israeli government’s request, officials in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem emphasized India’s contribution beyond simple purchases. “We now know who our true pals are. One Israeli source revealed, “We are looking at expanding our bilateral defense cooperation, and India is a friend.”
The goal is to use India as a production base for Israel’s domestic needs as well as its international exports. Israel’s geographical limitations and security weaknesses are addressed by this diversification strategy, which encourages the outsourcing of manufacturing to trustworthy partners. In the upcoming months, sources anticipate increased cooperation.
Since the start of the Gaza conflict in 2023, Western restrictions have become more severe. In October 2025, Spain imposed a complete arms embargo that prohibited dual-use technologies and terminated current contracts. Citing the need for regional peace, it refused port access to a Danish ship transporting 27 tons of explosives from India to Israel last May.
Military commerce with Israel is either completely prohibited or severely restricted by the Netherlands, Belgium, Slovenia, Canada, and Japan. Although there isn’t an official embargo on Italy, port employees in Ravenna stopped two trucks that were allegedly bringing weapons in September during demonstrations against the Gaza War. Due to British export restrictions and penalties, Germany’s Lufthansa recently stopped sending military supplies to Tel Aviv.
France and the UK ponder curbs on sub-system supplies, despite not providing complete platforms. International outcry over Gaza’s civilian toll and destruction peaked with a joint statement from Australia, Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, Norway, the UK, and the EU’s foreign affairs chief. They condemned Israel’s planned Gaza City takeover as a potential breach of humanitarian law.
Paradoxically, Israel’s defence exports to Europe hit record highs, with signed orders securing firms for four to five years. Yet, self-reliance demands broader manufacturing footprints. “Israel needs defence production facilities beyond its borders, preferably in friendly countries. India is one such location,” a source noted.
The advances are welcomed by Indian officials. “India can expand its production, while Israel possesses state-of-the-art technologies. One said, “It is a win-win. When Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh visited Israel in early November and co-chaired the India-Israel Joint Working Group, talks picked up steam.
A memorandum of agreement for cooperative development, co-production of defense systems, and technology sharing in AI, cyber capabilities, training, and R&D resulted from the conference. “The MoUs are enabling agreements for the kind of work that is being planned,” according to a source. Israeli companies are waiting for changes to India’s Defense Acquisition Procedure, FDI regulations, and joint venture standards.
Israel’s share in India’s arms imports decreased from 34% in 2015–2019 to single digits by 2025 as a result of India’s indigenization drive, putting it below France and Russia. Jerusalem is still one of the best providers. The buyer-seller dynamic gives way to long-term collaborative partnerships in production and development.
This collaboration, which uses Israeli innovation for increased output, is consistent with India’s Make in India philosophy. Netanyahu’s visit may spur strong pledges and strengthen relations in the face of international challenges. India emerges as Israel’s unwavering defense anchor in Asia as arms restrictions continue.
