Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Israel this week, marking a significant expansion of defense and strategic cooperation between the two nations. During his trip, Modi will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and address the Knesset, signaling a new phase in bilateral relations that have grown substantially over the past decade.

India’s Role as Israel’s Top Defense Partner

India has long been a major customer of Israel’s defense industry, with purchases accounting for 34% of Israeli arms sales between 2020 and 2024, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). Over this period, Israel’s total arms sales to India reached approximately $20.5 billion, as reported by Israel’s Defense Ministry’s Directorate of International Defense Cooperation (SIBAT).

According to SIBAT chief Brig. General (Res) Yair Kulas, India has become a central player in Israel’s defense export strategy, with the country’s growing market demand and strategic importance in Asia. ‘India is a key country for us, and we’ve seen a significant increase in sales, especially after major deals like the Barak missile system,’ Kulas said.

Kulas noted that Israel’s arms exports to India surged from $300 million in 2012 to $1.1 billion in 2024, with an expected increase to over $1.5 billion in 2025. ‘The Make in India and Self Reliance programs have driven this growth, with around 50-60% of transactions now involving local production,’ he said.

Joint Development and Technological Innovation

Modi’s visit is expected to focus on expanding joint defense projects, including the development of ballistic missile defense systems and potential collaboration on laser technology. The Hindustan Times reported that air defense will be a key topic on the agenda, reflecting the strategic importance of this partnership.

Forbes India reported that total defense deals between Israel and India since the start of 2026 already amount to $8.6 billion. Kulas acknowledged that official figures may not fully capture the extent of cooperation, as they exclude the value of products manufactured in India by Israeli companies.

One example of this collaboration is Adani Corp.’s production of the Indian drone Drishti 10 Starliner, which is based on the Elbit Systems Hermes 900. This kind of joint effort highlights the deepening integration of Israeli and Indian defense industries.

Challenges of Imitation and Innovation

Despite Israel’s global leadership in defense technology, the country faces challenges from countries copying its systems. A notable example was the Armenian company Davaro’s revealing of the Dragonfly 3 suicide drone, which closely resembles Israel’s Harop drone. Armenia maintains close defense ties with India, which has deployed the Harop as a strategic asset.

Kulas explained that Israel has implemented strict security protocols to prevent technology theft, including oversight by the defense establishment and the Ministry of Defense’s Foreign Affairs and Technology Authority (MAFAT). ‘We must always be one step ahead of potential imitators,’ he said.

Israel’s defense industry is also increasingly focused on establishing production units in key markets, including India. ‘Local manufacturing is crucial for both Indian and international markets,’ Kulas emphasized. ‘Once you produce in India, you can access the broader Asian region.’

Kulas noted that the Israeli defense industry is ready to break another ‘glass ceiling’ in 2025, despite challenges such as global boycotts and geopolitical tensions. ‘The battlefield evidence from conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran has boosted our industry’s reputation and demand,’ he said.

As for Modi’s visit, Kulas highlighted the strategic importance of high-level political engagement. ‘When prime ministers are directly involved, it provides the necessary political framework for defense cooperation to flourish,’ he said.