India’s balanced and pragmatic approach in the Middle East is set to further strengthen its strategic partnership with Israel, according to a report by the Middle East Forum.
The report notes that over the past three decades, India-Israel relations have evolved from limited diplomatic engagement into a robust partnership spanning defence, technology, and security cooperation.
Shared concerns over terrorism, regional instability, and evolving security challenges have brought the two countries closer. Israel has emerged as a reliable partner for India, particularly in defence and advanced technology, even as New Delhi continues to maintain strong ties with Arab nations as part of its broader Middle East strategy.
Bilateral cooperation has expanded significantly in areas such as intelligence sharing, missile systems, surveillance technologies, and counterterrorism initiatives. Israel’s strengths in defence innovation, cybersecurity, and military technology have made it a key strategic partner for India.
A major milestone in the relationship was the 2025 Memorandum of Understanding on joint development and co-production in defence. This agreement aligns with India’s efforts to boost indigenous capabilities under initiatives like Make in India, while also reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.
The report highlights that co-production and technology transfer are now central pillars of India-Israel cooperation. In addition, intelligence collaboration, counterterrorism strategies, and border security technologies have become increasingly important as both nations navigate complex security environments.
