India and Israel have taken a significant step to bolster their strategic partnership with the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Defence Cooperation. The agreement, inked during the 17th meeting of the India–Israel Joint Working Group (JWG) on Defence Cooperation in Tel Aviv, underscores a shared commitment to advancing military collaboration in an era of evolving global threats.
Co-chaired by India’s Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Israel’s Director General of the Ministry of Defence, Maj Gen (Res) Amir Baram, the meeting provided a platform to review existing defence initiatives and chart a course for future cooperation. The new MoU establishes a unified vision and policy framework to deepen defence ties, with a particular focus on co-development and co-production of advanced defence systems.
“This MoU provides a comprehensive roadmap to enhance our defence partnership,” Singh said. “It will enable us to leverage our respective strengths in technology, research, and industrial capabilities to develop next-generation defence solutions.”
The agreement identifies key priority areas, including strategic dialogues, training, defence industrial cooperation, and collaboration in Science & Technology, Research & Development, Artificial Intelligence, and Cyber Security. By fostering joint research and technology sharing, the MoU aims to accelerate innovation and operational readiness for both nations.
Maj Gen (Res) Baram emphasised the strategic importance of the partnership: “Our collaboration spans decades, and this MoU reinforces our shared commitment to security and technological advancement. Together, we can address emerging challenges and strengthen regional stability.”
The discussions also covered ongoing defence cooperation initiatives, with both sides acknowledging the mutual benefits of their long-standing partnership. The delegations explored new avenues for collaboration, particularly in high-technology sectors, to enhance operational capabilities and address shared security challenges, including terrorism.
This agreement comes at a critical juncture for both nations, as they navigate an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape. By aligning their defence strategies, India and Israel are not only strengthening their bilateral ties but also positioning themselves as key players in global defence innovation.
The MoU signals a forward-looking approach to defence cooperation, one that prioritises technological advancement, interoperability, and joint responses to emerging threats. As both countries continue to invest in cutting-edge defence capabilities, this partnership could set a precedent for future collaborations in the sector.