India-Israel Defence Relations: A Strategic Alliance

This chapter examines the evolution and strategic significance of India–Israel defence relations, tracing their transformation from discreet security interactions to a comprehensive multidimensional strategic partnership. While formal diplomatic relations between the two countries were established only in 1992, the foundations of their engagement can be traced to earlier historical interactions, including Jewish settlements in India and shared historical experiences under colonial rule. The chapter highlights how these historical linkages, combined with pragmatic geopolitical considerations, laid the groundwork for deeper defence cooperation. Employing perspectives from realism, constructivism, and alliance theory, the chapter analyses the drivers that have shaped the India–Israel defence partnership. From a realist standpoint, India’s engagement with Israel reflects its pursuit of advanced military technologies and operational capabilities to enhance deterrence and address evolving regional security challenges, particularly asymmetric warfare and cross-border terrorism. Constructivist insights emphasize the role of shared democratic values, institutional trust, and common counterterrorism objectives in strengthening cooperation. Alliance theory further explains the development of a flexible, non-treaty strategic partnership that enables functional collaboration without formal alliance commitments. The chapter reviews key milestones that institutionalized defence cooperation, including Israel’s support during the 1962 Sino–Indian War, the 1971 Indo–Pak conflict, and the 1999 Kargil War, followed by the normalization of diplomatic relations in 1992. Subsequent developments such as major defence agreements, joint research and development initiatives, intelligence sharing, and private-sector collaborations have significantly expanded the scope of cooperation. Particular attention is given to the shift from a traditional buyer–seller dynamic towards co-development and technology transfer under initiatives such as ‘Make in India’. The chapter argues that complementary technological capabilities, converging threat perceptions, and sustained political engagement have transformed India–Israel defence ties into a durable strategic partnership. As global geopolitical dynamics continue to evolve, this partnership is increasingly positioned to influence regional security architectures and technological cooperation in emerging defence domains.