In the last few decades, the dynamics between the two countries have changed dramatically, leading to a significantly closer and more collaborative relationship by 2025. The cooperation has only intensified since Israel’s official establishment in 1950 and the setting up of formal diplomatic relations in 1992. Cooperation has increasingly intensified, particularly in agriculture, technology, and defense.
During the prime minister’s 2017 visit, the two partners achieved the strongest and most meaningful security, technological, and anti-terrorism cooperation, which changed their relationship. Even with close relations with Israel, India supports peace between the countries and aims to defend both Israel’s and Palestine’s interests in diplomatic matters. India is known for helping global peace, fighting terrorism, and giving importance to regional security and progress in technology.
How has the October 7 attack influenced India-Israel relations?
As a result of Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, India voiced additional support for Israel.
- In an official comment, PM Modi was sorry to hear of the deaths and said India supported Israel and firmly opposed the attacks that killed over 1,200 people, indicating a new approach for India.
- Under Modi, India began to back Israel’s interest in security, which revealed a new approach to the country’s foreign policy.
- India urged both sides in Gaza to end their fighting and allow for the release of all hostages.
- Again, India spoke out in favor of a two-state solution and suggested Israel and Palestine should both have peace alongside a properly functioning and secure Palestinian state.
- It shows that India supports the Palestinians even as it increases joint work with Israel.
What are the benefits for India in partnering with Israel for missile technology?
India’s defense has been enhanced due to cooperation with Israel on missile technologies.
1. Modern missile defense
Barak-8 is a surface-to-air missile that is a result of the collaboration between IAI, DRDO of India, and India. It will enable India to cut its dependence on foreign hardware, and enhance India’s defense against drones, missiles and aircraft.
2. Technology sharing and collaborative development
Due to Israel’s interest in offering modern missile technology transfer, India can design and upgrade missiles locally, including the Medium Range Surface Air Missile (MRSAM) and Long Range Surface Air Missile (LRSAM). These military acquisitions further assist India in modernizing its military capabilities as well as independently reliable missile technologies.
3. Increased lethality and accuracy
Indian weapon systems became more accurate and powerful via Israeli missile technology, which has laser-guided missiles and advanced sensors. For attacks along sensitive borders and to avoid harming nearby people, teams must have this skill.
Why did India take missiles from Israel to attack Pakistan?
To make attacks on Pakistani targets precise, India got the Barak-8 and BrahMos weapons from Israel. Here are the main reasons why it is bought and used:
1. Retaliation and anti-terrorism
India claims that following a militant attack in Pahalgam in April 2025, India conducted Operation Sindoor in May 2025. BrahMos missiles struck nine terrorist camps and 11 militant-related airbases. India said the strikes were meant to destroy terrorist infrastructure and stop more attacks.
2. Precision and supremacy of technology
The BrahMos missile, jointly built by India and Russia, has Israeli technology involved in the defense systems of the missile. It is carried on Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jets, allows for supersonic travel and can hit its target precisely. Surgeries into the enemy’s territory by India can now be done safely, with minimal harm caused to the adversary.
3, Combined offensive and defensive power
India’s multi-layered air defense and offensive attack capabilities are improved by its deployment of Israeli-origin systems, such as the Barak-8 medium-range surface-to-air missile system and Israeli drones (such as Harop loitering missiles). BrahMos and other missiles can successfully strike vital targets due to these systems’ assistance in neutralizing Pakistan’s air defense grid.
4. Regional security and strategic deterrence
Beyond the purchase from Israel, India is focusing on improving both its offensive capabilities and its missile defense as part of facing challenges from China and Pakistan. Having a missile defense shield in place will boost India’s defense and let it counter any nuclear or missile attacks.
5. Message and operational success
India’s advanced military readiness and technological edge were displayed during Operation Sindoor through the employment of Israeli-assisted missile technology. Pakistan was forced to move its aircraft and scrap plans for any retribution after the strikes crippled its air defense and strike capability. This event showed that India had increased its defense independence with help from Israel, and was the first time BrahMos missiles were used in active warfare.
What are the implications of India and Israel signing a free trade agreement in 2025?
Signing a free trade agreement in 2025 would have critical advantages for both India and Israel in the areas of strategy, technology, and economy.
1. An increase in bilateral investment and trade
It is believed that the FTA will result in a threefold increase in trade, bringing the level from $5 billion today to nearly $20 billion in 2030. When tariffs are lowered, it becomes easier for Israeli and Indian businesses to export technology goods and access markets in important sectors.
2. Improved cooperation with technology
The deal aims to strengthen teamwork in advanced topics like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital health, precision farming, controlling water resources, and using renewable energy. Because India has a large and rapidly developing market and Israel has considerable technology, there will be more efforts toward joint projects and growth driven by new technology.
3. Increasing defense and security cooperation
The FTA encourages private-sector participation in defense technology like drones, missiles, electronic warfare, and AI military capabilities, even with strong existing defense collaborations. This would strengthen India’s strategic capabilities and speed up domestic production.
Final words: Does India support Israel?
India supports a two-state solution for Israel-Palestine, backing Israel strategically and in counterterrorism efforts. India is focused on managing its role as head of the Global South while ensuring it is well-connected to Arab countries and has strong ties with Israel. It means rejecting every form of terrorism and supporting finding a solution through diplomacy. In 2025, both Israel and India supported counterterrorism efforts when Israel spoke out against the attacks on India and praised India’s air attacks against Pakistan’s terror targets.
Still, India officially supports the establishment of a two-state settlement for Israel and Palestine, where each can exist peacefully, despite giving strong support to Israel. India has maintained diplomatic ties with Palestinian officials and given more support to them.
With an annual trade of over $1 billion, India is a significant buyer of Israeli armaments, and Israel has aided India in times of vital security, particularly by providing weapons during wars with Pakistan.
