India and Israel Deepen Defence Ties Ahead of PM Modi’s Landmark Visit
India and Israel sign MoU to deepen defence industry collaboration ahead of PM Modi's upcoming visit to Israel.
India and Israel have signed a defence Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral defence cooperation. The agreement institutionalises collaboration between the defence industries of both nations, moving beyond traditional buyer–seller relationships to joint development and technology sharing.
The MoU was formalised during a seminar led by SIBAT Director Brig. Gen. (Res.) Yair Kulas, organised in partnership with the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) and India’s Defence Ministry. A total of 56 companies—30 from India and 26 from Israel—participated, aiming to familiarise themselves with India’s defence ecosystem and the updated Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2026.
Officials noted that both countries are committed to advancing structured defence cooperation, highlighting a history of collaboration during critical times. Over the years, the partnership has evolved from simple procurement to high-end co-development projects, reflecting shared strategic priorities.
Also Read: PM Modi and President Macron Strengthen India-France Ties in Mumbai Ahead of AI Summit
Notable examples of this collaboration include the Barak-8 surface-to-air missile system, jointly developed by India’s DRDO and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), now operational across the Indian Navy, Air Force, and Army. Another milestone is the Suryastra Universal long-range rocket launcher, co-developed by Israel’s Elbit Systems and Pune-based Nibe Ltd., with domestic production handled by Nibe and integration and advanced munitions by Elbit.
Prime Minister Modi’s upcoming visit, his first since July 2017, is expected to further expand strategic ties beyond defence, encompassing agriculture, innovation, and technology sectors. The MoU signals a new phase in India-Israel relations, fostering a more structured, technology-driven partnership with long-term benefits for both nations.
