India and Israel have shared a long-standing and robust strategic partnership, particularly in defense and counterterrorism cooperation. As Israel faces ongoing conflicts with terrorist groups, India has a unique opportunity to deepen this partnership by providing ordnance and infrastructure support to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). This proactive approach not only enhances India’s global influence but also strengthens its own national security, defense industry, and diplomatic standing.
This article explores the reasons why India should assist Israel in its war on terror, detailing the long-term benefits for India both strategically and economically.
1. Strengthening the India-Israel Defense Alliance
a) Deepening Bilateral Defense Cooperation
India and Israel have consistently collaborated on defense technologies and military exchanges. Israel is one of India’s top defense suppliers, providing advanced systems such as drones, missile defense technologies, and surveillance equipment. By supplying ordnance and infrastructure to Israel, India could further cement this relationship, ensuring a steady flow of cutting-edge defense technology and intelligence-sharing mechanisms.
- Shared Counterterrorism Goals: Both nations face ongoing threats from terrorism—India from groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Israel from Hamas, Hezbollah, and other extremist factions. Collaborating in times of crisis would align the two nations against common enemies, fostering better intelligence and tactical coordination.
b) Building Defense Self-Reliance
India’s push for self-reliance in defense through the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative can significantly benefit from increased cooperation with Israel. By offering military aid and infrastructure, India could seek access to Israeli expertise in areas like missile technology, cybersecurity, and electronic warfare, boosting domestic production capabilities.
- Israel is renowned for its rapid defense technology development, and India could leverage joint ventures and technology transfers to strengthen its indigenous defense manufacturing capabilities.
2. Economic Benefits to India’s Defense Industry
a) Boosting Indian Exports
Providing ordnance to Israel during its war on terror could open new avenues for India to export defense equipment and technology to other countries as well. India’s defense exports have been rising steadily, and supporting Israel’s military needs could accelerate this trend.
- Defense Manufacturing: India has been focusing on expanding its defense manufacturing sector, with export targets set at $5 billion by 2025. By offering arms and infrastructure to the IDF, Indian defense manufacturers, particularly private companies, could increase production, leading to greater capacity and profit margins in the long run.
b) Global Visibility for Indian Defense Products
India’s assistance to Israel could also enhance the global reputation of Indian-made defense products. Israel is a key player in the global defense market, and its endorsement of Indian equipment during active conflict would signal to other nations that India can provide reliable and effective military solutions.
- This strategic move could create demand for Indian ordnance and equipment in other conflict zones, contributing to the growth of India’s defense export market.
3. Enhanced Strategic and Diplomatic Leverage
a) Gaining Influence in the Middle East
While India traditionally maintains a neutral stance in Middle Eastern conflicts, providing support to Israel would offer India greater diplomatic leverage in the region. Israel has emerged as a major player in the Middle East, and a stronger India-Israel partnership could enhance India’s influence in key geopolitical matters, especially when navigating relationships with Arab states.
- Balancing Interests: India has strong energy ties with Arab countries, particularly in the Gulf, but it has managed to balance these relationships while deepening its ties with Israel. Supporting Israel in its defense efforts could elevate India’s status as a global power capable of balancing complex international relationships.
b) A Permanent Seat at the Global Counterterrorism Table
As global terrorism continues to evolve, nations that take an active role in counterterrorism efforts gain respect and recognition on the world stage. By aligning with Israel, which is at the forefront of counterterrorism operations, India would gain greater diplomatic clout in global forums such as the United Nations, where counterterrorism discussions take center stage.
- This would also allow India to strengthen its case for becoming a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), as it demonstrates its commitment to international peace and security.
4. Countering China’s Growing Influence
India’s geopolitical rivalry with China is no secret, and the two nations are vying for influence in key regions like South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. China has been expanding its footprint in the Middle East through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and military cooperation with countries like Iran and Saudi Arabia.
By supporting Israel, India can counter China’s influence in the region and assert itself as a key player in Middle Eastern geopolitics. Strengthening ties with Israel not only creates a bulwark against Chinese expansion but also aligns India more closely with the U.S.-Israel strategic axis, helping India safeguard its interests in the region.
5. Strengthening Domestic Counterterrorism Efforts
a) Learning from Israel’s Counterterrorism Expertise
Israel is widely regarded as one of the most effective nations in counterterrorism, with decades of experience in intelligence gathering, border security, and crisis management. By supporting Israel in its fight against terrorism, India can benefit from enhanced training programs, joint exercises, and real-time intelligence sharing.
- This could prove invaluable for India, particularly in improving its anti-terrorism strategies in regions like Jammu and Kashmir, where cross-border terrorism continues to pose a significant threat.
b) Cooperation in Cybersecurity and Defense Infrastructure
As warfare becomes increasingly digital, India could benefit from Israel’s expertise in cybersecurity. Israel’s proficiency in combating cyberattacks and securing critical infrastructure is unmatched. Partnering with Israel in providing infrastructure to the IDF would create opportunities for joint cybersecurity initiatives that can help India protect its own digital assets from both domestic and international threats.
6. Moral and Ethical Support Against Terrorism
India and Israel share a common moral stance on combating terrorism, and both nations have a zero-tolerance policy toward terrorist organizations. By providing support to the IDF, India would be reinforcing its ethical position on terrorism and making a clear statement against groups that promote violence and instability.
- The message would resonate not just with Israel, but with other global players who view terrorism as a major threat to peace and stability.
Conclusion: A Strategic Investment in India’s Future
Supporting Israel’s defense needs in its ongoing war against terror presents India with a unique opportunity to bolster its global standing, strengthen its defense industry, and enhance national security. By supplying ordnance and infrastructure, India can solidify its long-standing partnership with Israel while also creating long-term economic and strategic benefits.
From boosting defense exports to gaining influence in global counterterrorism discussions, India’s involvement would serve as a powerful statement of solidarity with Israel and a broader commitment to fighting terrorism on all fronts. In doing so, India ensures its own defense capabilities and geopolitical interests are strengthened, making this a strategic move that pays dividends in the years to come.
