Modi’s Israel Visit to Focus on Defense Cooperation and Strategic Alignment

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares for a two-day visit to Israel, starting February 25th, both nations are poised to deepen their strategic partnership, with a significant emphasis on defense cooperation. The visit comes as Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has highlighted the importance of strengthening alliances with key partners like India.

Strengthening Defense Ties

India and Israel are exploring joint development of advanced defense technologies, including anti-ballistic missile defense systems, laser weapons, and long-range stand-off missiles and drones. This builds upon a foundation laid during a visit by Indian Defence Secretary RK Singh to Israel in November, which resulted in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on expanded defense cooperation The Hindu.

While a formal defense deal isn’t expected during this visit, bilateral defense cooperation is already substantial, estimated at around $10 billion over the coming years The Hindu.

Advanced Technologies on the Table

Israel is expected to share its latest defense technologies with India, including hi-tech laser defense systems and other stand-off capabilities. This represents a shift, as Israel has not previously shared all of its defense technologies. India is particularly interested in Israel’s expertise in anti-ballistic missile systems, such as the Arrow, David’s Sling, and Iron Dome The Hindu.

India’s “Mission Sudershan,” aimed at protecting the Indian hinterland from long-range missiles, will be a key focus. Israel demonstrated the effectiveness of its systems by intercepting 98% of ballistic missiles fired by Iran last June The Hindu.

Expanding Capabilities

Beyond missile defense, India is also looking to acquire long-range missiles and loitering ammunition, systems used effectively in past operations like Operation Sindoor. Specific systems of interest include Spice 1000 bombs, Rampage missiles, and Ice Breaker missile systems The Hindu. The Indian Navy is also considering extended-range Barak surface-to-missile systems for its warships.

Political Alignment and Counter-Terrorism

The close relationship between Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Netanyahu has fostered a strong political alignment between the two countries. Both nations share a common stance against terrorism and often coordinate their positions on various international issues The Hindu.

Broader Cooperation

Discussions during the visit will extend beyond defense to include cooperation in science and technology, agriculture, clean drinking water, and high-end quantum computing The Hindu.

Netanyahu recently described India as a “gigantic power” and emphasized Israel’s commitment to “tightening alliances” with its allies The Hindu.