India and Israel have been deepening their military and economic ties over several decades. Israel established its consulate in Mumbai in 1953, and military exports began in the 1960s.
Recent developments highlight this growing relationship:
- In June 2024, India exported 27 tons of ammunition to Israel from Chennai.
- In 2018, Israel’s Elbit Systems partnered with India’s Adani Group to manufacture Hermes 900 drones in southern India.
- Following events in October 2023, India reportedly permitted Israeli firms to hire 100,000 Indian workers, replacing 90,000 Palestinian workers whose permits were revoked.
Over the past decade, India has imported $2.9 billion worth of military equipment from Israel, including drones, missiles, radar, and surveillance systems, reportedly used in Kashmir. India’s support for Israel stands out among BRICS and Global South nations, with cooperation extending to arms manufacturing and intelligence sharing.
These developments occur amid ongoing Middle Eastern conflicts and Kashmir tensions, prompting scrutiny of the geopolitical implications of this alliance.
Concurrently, India has expanded its cultural and religious footprint in Muslim-majority Gulf nations:
- Under Prime Minister Modi, India has facilitated the construction of Hindu temples in the UAE, Oman, and Bahrain, ostensibly for the Hindu diaspora’s worship needs.
- Critics argue these efforts might erode local Islamic cultural roots.
- India also enhances its influence through Bollywood films, music events, and awards in the Middle East.
This dual approach—military collaboration with Israel and cultural expansion in the Gulf—is perceived as part of India’s broader strategy to assert regional influence. However, it raises concerns about its impact on Muslim communities and regional stability.
The evolving situation holds significant geopolitical implications beyond immediate borders, influencing alliances and dynamics across the Middle East and South Asia.
