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Sweeping Defense Deals: Billions and Rising
Within just a few weeks, New Delhi hammered out a series of major military agreements with Tel Aviv: assault rifles amounting to $3.3 billion, refueling aircraft valued at nearly $900 million, and an additional $4 billion in rockets and missiles. It’s not a light shopping list—it’s a strategic statement.
This wave of acquisitions responds to two clear priorities for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. First, shoring up India’s military might in the face of ongoing tensions with Pakistan. Second, promoting the ‘Make in India’ policy, which demands that foreign partners manufacture directly on Indian soil. Israel, clearly unphased, has jumped right in, setting up subsidiaries and offices across India.
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Mutual Benefits in a Shifting World
These converging interests have been good for both capitals. Israel, somewhat diplomatically isolated since the Gaza conflict, sees a reliable, discreet, and politically aligned customer in India. Today, New Delhi soaks up roughly a third of Israeli arms exports—offering Tel Aviv much-needed funding for its cutting-edge defense research programs. Not a bad trade, especially when times are tough elsewhere.
But the India-Israel alliance now goes beyond missiles and defense. Key sectors like technology, cyber-security, and agriculture have come into focus. In 2024, bilateral trade between the two nations topped $6.5 billion—four times what it was a decade ago. That’s what you’d call exponential growth.
Just last month, the two governments inked a historic bilateral agreement to triple these trade flows by 2030. The goal? To strengthen the complementary strengths of a giant agricultural India and Israel, a global leader in technology and water management.
Complementary Economies, Shared Vision
On many fronts, the economic fit is striking. With a population of 1.4 billion, India faces the towering task of ensuring food security. Israel steps up with modernization and precision irrigation solutions to make it happen. It’s a case study in practical synergy.
Remarkably, as many countries, particularly across Europe, have suspended various cooperation agreements with Israel since the start of the Gaza conflict, India has chosen to tighten its links instead. Narendra Modi has rolled out the red carpet for Benjamin Netanyahu more than once—even while allegations of war crimes hover over Israel’s government. This is a move that’s ruffling feathers in the West but fits with New Delhi’s self-declared vision of diplomatic independence.
From Defense to Ideology: Beyond Economics
This rapprochement doesn’t just touch the economy anymore. Under Nehru, India historically aligned more with the Palestinian cause. Today, under Modi, India has taken on a visibly pro-Israel stance—even when it comes to the thorny Palestinian issue.
The two countries share a similar model: each is a majority-religion state with a significant Muslim minority. For Hindu nationalist movements in India, Israel’s tough-minded strategy has become something of a template. On social media, the trending hashtag #HindusWithIsrael says it all—ideological convergence, 280 characters at a time.
Beyond the contracts, what’s emerging is a shared worldview. A discreet but potentially long-lasting partnership between two powers intent on reshaping global balances in their own way.
