India and Israel Forge Deeper Defense Ties with New MOU

Israel and India have strengthened their defense partnership with the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on March 12, 2024. This agreement aims to enhance cooperation in defense, industrial, and technological sectors. The announcement was made by the Israel Ministry of Defense during the annual meeting of the Joint Working Group (JWG) between the two nations.

Amir Baram, Director General of the Israel Ministry of Defense, emphasized the importance of the partnership, stating, “Our strategic partnership is based on deep mutual trust and shared security interests. We view India as a first-rate strategic partner and are determined to continue deepening cooperation in the fields of defense, technology, and industry.” Despite the broad objectives outlined, specific details regarding the outcomes of this latest MOU remain unclear.

During the visit, the Indian delegation engaged with chief executives from various Israeli defense firms. Although the specific names of the CEOs were not disclosed, major players in the Israeli defense sector, such as Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, Israel Aerospace Industries, and Elbit Systems, have established significant joint ventures in India. These collaborations have been integral to India’s Make in India initiative, which encourages domestic manufacturing.

Over the past decade, Israeli defense industries have entered into agreements related to air defense, unmanned aerial systems (UAS), and other technologies, with contracts valued in the billions of dollars. Innovative technologies were showcased during the meetings, highlighting potential projects aimed at fostering industrial-defense partnerships between the two countries.

The Israeli delegation included senior officials from various defense sectors, such as the Political-Military Bureau and the Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D). The Indian contingent comprised high-ranking representatives from the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces, indicating the seriousness of the discussions.

One significant focus area for India is the recent announcement of Mission Sudarshan Chakra by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 15, 2023. This initiative aims to develop an integrated air and missile defense system for India. Given Israel’s extensive experience in missile defense systems, this collaboration could prove beneficial for both sides.

On the same day as the MOU signing, Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar was visiting India. He met with India’s Minister of External Affairs, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, to discuss the strategic partnership and shared challenges, notably the threat of terrorism. Sa’ar expressed gratitude for India’s support during the recent conflicts in Gaza following the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. “There is already a warm friendship between our countries. Our goal is to build a long-term strategic partnership,” he stated.

Additionally, Sa’ar highlighted ongoing regional collaborations, including the I2U2 initiative, which encompasses India, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States, as well as the India-Middle East Corridor (IMEC). He noted, “We want to promote commonality between South Asia, the Middle East, and Europe,” underlining Israel’s broader outreach to Asian markets.

Israel’s defense companies have been actively participating in international forums to expand their market reach. A notable presence was established at the ADEX exhibition in Seoul from October 17 to 24, where leading Israeli firms showcased their advanced technologies and systems.

The new MOU signals a commitment to deepening defense relations between Israel and India, with potential implications for regional security dynamics and defense industry collaboration. As both nations navigate their strategic interests, this partnership may evolve into a cornerstone of their respective defense policies.