Anurag Kumar
New Delhi, Feb 24 (.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel on Wednesday, to meet his counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, is likely to witness wide-ranging discussions.
Given India’s history of strong defence deals with Israel in the past, these “discussions” are expected to focus on defence sector. Sources said talks are likely on Rampage air-to-surface missiles, drones, next generation stand off strike missiles such as “ice breaker missile” etc.
Indian officials are also expected to interest Israeli firms to invest in India and make defence equipment and components locally with transfer of technology as well as explore joint development of weapon systems.
Israel is one of India’s top defence partners, especially in missile systems, drones, radar, and electronic warfare. With joint production and multi-billion-dollar deals, the relationship is expected to deepen.
Between 2020 and 2024, Israel’s total defence sales to India were USD 20.5 billion. India purchased weapons, drones, missile systems, radars, and defence technology from Israel.
PM Modi on Sunday, wrote on his social media platform X, “India deeply values the enduring friendship with Israel, built on trust, innovation, and a shared commitment to peace and progress. Looking forward to our discussions during my upcoming Israel visit.”
As per reports, major deals in the past include: USD 1.1 billion deal for Phalcon AWACS (2004), USD 400 million deal for Heron-TP armed drones (2015), Heron UAV purchase (2009), USD 1 billion deal for 2 additional AWACS (2016), USD 1.6 billion Barak-8 missile deal for Indian Army (2017), additional SPICE bomb procurement (2019-2020), among others.
Interestingly, Israel is among the top three countries that supply defence equipment to India.
The data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute for 2019–2023/2020–2024, suggests that India buys defence equipment mainly from Russia (36 per cent), France (33 per cent), Israel (13 per cent), the USA 10–13 per cent and the UK (about 3 per cent).
PM Modi’s visit is expected to further consolidate strategic and technological cooperation between the two countries. As India and Israel look to expand their relationship in areas such as missile systems, drones, surveillance technology, and defence manufacturing, the discussions between the two “friends” could pave the way for deeper defence engagement. Also, there could be new agreements in the coming years.
. AKU JRC RSA