Marking the 30th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral ties, Indian Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh hosted his Israeli counterpart Benny Gantz in New Delhi to sign a raft of new defence agreements, including on increasing cooperation in the development of futuristic technology.
A release by the Indian Defence Ministry said the two ministers reviewed “existing military-to-military activities” and “discussed ways to increase cooperation in all domains with a focus on Research & Development (R&D) in future technologies and defence co-production.”
The pair also adopted a vision statement titled ‘India-Israel Vision on Defence Cooperation’ to “further strengthen the existing framework of the Indo-Israeli defence cooperation architecture.” The ministers also exchanged letters of intent aimed at “enhancing cooperation in the field of Futuristic Defence Technologies.”
Glad that both the countries adopted a ‘Vison Statement’ which will pave the way for defence cooperation in future.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) June 2, 2022
There is a broad consensus between both the countries on further strengthening the bilateral strategic and defence cooperation.
“We reiterated our commitment to further expand defence ties by presenting a shared vision for cooperation outlined in a Joint Declaration,” Gantz tweeted following the meeting. “Together we can increase our capabilities and ensure both nation’s security and economic interest,” he wrote.
According to The Hindu, India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Israeli Directorate for Defence R&D signed an agreement on joint research and technological cooperation. The ministers also discussed improving their countries’ defensive capabilities, especially in the field of drone development.
The Indian Defence Ministry also stated that the agreements will enhance Israel’s “technological advance and operational experience” and India’s “extraordinary development and production capabilities.” It added, “Cooperation between the countries would be in line with Prime Minister [Narendra] Modi’s ‘Make in India’ vision.”
It was an honor to be hosted by my friend and counterpart, Minister @rajnathsingh in New Delhi as we mark 30 years of fruitful diplomatic and defense relations between Israel and India. We held an important discussion on future industrial and military cooperation. pic.twitter.com/WrZtys1suG
— בני גנץ - Benny Gantz (@gantzbe) June 2, 2022
Singh said his meeting with the Israeli delegation was “warm and productive,” wherein they discussed “key issues pertaining to defence cooperation and global & regional scenarios.” “We place great value on our Strategic Partnership with Israel,” he underscored.
Gantz also met a delegation chaired by Indian National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval. The Israeli DM said both sides “reflected on developing global challenges and shared operational priorities” and “explored joint ventures that will further deepen cooperation and enhance the capabilities of both defence establishments.”
It was a pleasure meeting National Security Advisor, H.E. Ajit Doval. We reflected on developing global challenges and shared operational priorities. We also explored joint ventures that will further deepen cooperation and enhance the capabilities of both defense establishments.
— בני גנץ - Benny Gantz (@gantzbe) June 2, 2022
Finally, Gantz was received by PM Modi. “The leaders reviewed the rapid growth in defence cooperation between India and Israel over the past few years,” Modi’s office said in a statement. Modi “encouraged Israeli defence companies to benefit from opportunities of co-development and co-production in India,” the statement added.
Both countries are major defence partners and India depends heavily on Israel for a lot of its defence imports. India is Israel’s largest arms client and its armed forces are heavily reliant on Israeli drones, rifles, anti-aircraft missiles, air warning systems, and other surveillance technology.
Was pleased to meet Deputy PM & Defence Minister of Israel H.E. Benjamin Gantz @gantzbe. As we mark 30 years of full diplomatic relations between India and Israel, our defence cooperation is expanding and diversifying to include joint research, development and production. pic.twitter.com/psZzhbXCJc
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 2, 2022
Since formally establishing diplomatic ties with Israel in 1992, India has continued to enhance its cooperation with the country in various fields, including in defence, economic, technological, and cultural ties. Accordingly, India’s position regarding the Palestinian issue has also shifted.
India for decades supported the establishment of a Palestinian state and as a result, refused to establish bilateral relations with Israel from 1948 to 1992. In fact, until 2014, India voted in favour of Palestine and against Israeli policies in the United Nations. However, India has shifted its stance since 2014. In 2015, India for the first time abstained from voting for Palestine at the UN and in 2019 voted for Israel in the world body.