Amnesty report highlights expanding Indian role in Israeli defence supply chains while raising concerns over weapons transfers
NEW DELHI: India and Israel are transforming their decades-old defence relationship as Indian companies increasingly manufacture weapons components, develop military systems jointly with Israeli firms and integrate into Israel’s defence supply chains.
A 42-page Amnesty International investigation, titled “Made in India: The Supply of Weapons and Ammunition to Israel,” examined 2,596 shipments from India to Israel between October 7, 2023, and November 30, 2025. Amnesty argues that some transfers could expose Indian authorities and companies to legal risks over alleged violations of international law in Gaza.
However, the findings also illustrate how bilateral defence cooperation has evolved beyond Israel supplying military technology to India.
Indian Companies Expand Defence Manufacturing
According to Amnesty, shipments included hundreds of thousands of small-arms components, explosive-ordnance parts and military-vehicle components. The report identified companies linked to machine-gun components, artillery ammunition and drone-related equipment.
Furthermore, joint ventures involving Indian and Israeli companies have expanded under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Make in India” programme.
The two countries have also jointly developed major systems, including the Barak-8 air-defence platform.
Security analyst Oshrit Birvadker disputed Amnesty’s conclusions, arguing that shipment records do not establish the final use of exported equipment or prove complicity in unlawful military operations.
Strategic Cooperation Faces Growing Scrutiny
Meanwhile, India’s defence exports have expanded rapidly as New Delhi seeks greater technological self-reliance and a stronger position in international weapons markets.
For Israel, Indian manufacturing provides lower production costs, industrial capacity and greater supply-chain resilience amid restrictions from some Western countries.
Amnesty has called on India to halt arms transfers and defence cooperation with major Israeli companies.
However, supporters of the partnership argue that Israeli technology remains important to India’s security requirements, particularly along its borders with China and Pakistan.
Consequently, the relationship increasingly reflects mutual industrial dependence rather than the traditional buyer-seller arrangement.
