Israeli defence delegation in India to deepen strategic partnership

Jerusalem,UPDATED: Jun 22, 2026 21:10 IST

A delegation of senior Israeli defence officials visiting India will help deepen the strategic partnership between the two countries, Israel's Ministry of Defence said on Monday. The ministry said the visit also underlines Israel's focus on expanding cooperation with key countries in the region.

Director General of Israel's Ministry of Defence Maj Gen (Res) Amir Baram held a series of high-level meetings in India with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and other senior defence ministry officials. During the meetings, the two sides discussed ways to strengthen bilateral defence and industrial cooperation, the ministry said.

In a statement, the Israeli ministry said, "This visit reflects the Defence Minister and the Ministry's strategy to expand defence exports as a tool for strengthening the IDF's force build-up, shaping foreign policy, and bolstering the Israeli defence industry and economy." It added, "It is part of a broader effort to widen Israel's circle of strategic partnerships with an eastward focus and deepen cooperation with key nations in the region."

Describing India as "a key strategic partner", Baram said the visit was a "result of a lengthy bilateral preparation process" and "reflects the great importance that India and Israel attach to expanding their growing defence and industrial alliance - but no less so, the depth of the bond between our two nations".

He added, "A bond rooted in shared values, deep cultural appreciation, and mutual trust that goes well beyond mere interests. That is what makes this partnership unique, and the joint projects we are advancing together all the more meaningful."

India and Israel signed an MoU in February this year, just before Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Israel, identifying a wide range of areas of cooperation that will benefit both countries. Security sources told PTI that these areas included joint planning, training, defence industrial cooperation and capabilities in science and technology, research and development, technological innovation, artificial intelligence and cyber security cooperation. They said, "It will enable sharing of advanced technology and would help promote co-development and co-production."

The visit by the Israeli delegation comes as both sides look to expand defence and industrial ties, with discussions covering cooperation, technology sharing and joint development under the broader strategic partnership.

With PTI Inputs

- Ends