Executive Summary
India and Israel signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on defence cooperation, making a crucial transition from a buyer–seller dynamic to a joint development and joint production cooperation. The pact focuses on technology exchange, joint research, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and defence innovation, further bolstering the strategic alliance between both nations.
India and Israel have developed a strong military and technological partnership since the official formulation of their diplomatic ties since 1992. Over the following years, Israel has become one of India’s top defence suppliers, providing advanced systems including drones, radar networks, and missile defence systems. The 2025 MoU commits to the long-term mechanism for joint defence innovation and industrial collaboration.
Key Provisions of the 2025 Defence MoU
- Technology Sharing & R&D Cooperation: This will aid in facilitating the joint development of advanced defence technologies.
- Co-Development and Co-Production: Promotion of joint manufacturing under Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
- Strategic Dialogue & Training: Enhances interoperability through regular staff exchanges and exercises of the militaries.
- Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence: Reinforce resilience to potential digital warfare threats.
Statements from Key Officials
“Our strategic dialogue with India takes place at a critical juncture. We view India as a first-rate strategic partner and are determined to deepen cooperation in defence, technology, and industry.” — Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram, Director General, Israeli Ministry of Defence
“This MoU provides a unified vision for technology collaboration and co-development, underscoring our shared commitment to innovation and self-reliance.” — Rajesh Kumar Singh, Defence Secretary, India
Timeline of Strategic Defence Cooperation
- 1992: Establishment of diplomatic ties – Start of formal defence exchanges.
- 1999: Kargil War collaboration – Israel provides UAVs and precision bombs.
- 2001–2010: Major defence procurement – Barak missile systems, radar networks, and UAVs acquired.
- 2017: PM Modi’s visit to Israel – Strategic partnership elevated; multiple MoUs signed.
- 2021: Barak-8 missile induction – Joint DRDO–IAI missile system operationalized.
- 2023: Cyber & AI Defence Dialogue – Laid groundwork for current MoU.
- 2025: Defence Cooperation MoU signed – Formalised framework for co-production and tech sharing.
Strategic Significance
For India: Access to Israeli defence technology will aid in self-reliance while reinforcing counter-terrorism capabilities.
For Israel: This would provide Israel with the opportunity to exert its influence in Asia’s largest defence market and while strengthening industrial partnerships.
For Both nations: The MoU will help in cooperation against terrorism, cyber warfare, and regional instability.
Major Joint Defence Projects
- Barak-8 / LRSAM Missile System – co developed by DRDO and IAI.
- Heron UAVs and Searcher Drones – intelligence gathering systems jointly upgraded in India.
- SPICE and Derby Missiles – Integrated into IAF’s Su-30MKI and Mirage-2000 fleets.
- Iron Dome Technology Cooperation – Ongoing dialogue on air defence interoperability.
- Cyber & AI Defence Labs – Under development to explore autonomous systems and electronic warfare.
Expert Insights
Lt. Gen. (Dr.) R.K. Sawhney (Retd.): “Israel has consistently proven itself as a reliable partner. The 2025 pact transforms cooperation into co-creation — combining Indian manufacturing depth with Israeli technological precision.”
Dr. C. Uday Bhaskar: “This agreement institutionalises a mature defence partnership aligned with India’s self-reliance and Israel’s innovation agenda.”
Challenges and Opportunities
Challenges: Aligning technology standards, streamlining export controls, and balancing partnerships.
Opportunities: Joint exports, AI integration, and enhanced supply chain resilience.
Policy Implications
- Establish a India–Israel Defence Innovation Forum.
- Coordinate production standards to ensure interoperability.
- Develop a bilateral cyber policy guide.
- Collaboration in marketing joint systems to third parties/nations.
References
- Business Standard – 'India, Israel sign defence pact to boost tech sharing and co-production' (Nov 4, 2025).
- Israel National News – 'Israel, India sign defense Memorandum of Understanding' (Nov 4, 2025).
- NDTV – 'India, Israel ink defence tech pact as Israeli minister visits New Delhi' (Nov 5, 2025).
- Indian Defence News – 'India, Israel sign MoU to strengthen defence cooperation' (Nov 5, 2025).
- Reuters – 'Israel’s military exports: Top buyer India' (Feb 23, 2024).
- IDSA Monograph – 'The India–Israel Defence and Security Partnership at 30' (June 2022).
Times of India – 'India–Israel sign pact on AI, defence, cybersecurity' (Nov 2025).
