TEL AVIV – India and Israel have taken a significant step forward in their long-standing strategic partnership with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on defence cooperation during the 17th meeting of the Joint Working Group (JWG) on 4 November 2025.
The meeting was co-chaired by Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram, Director General of Israel’s Ministry of Defense, and Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, India’s Defence Secretary.
The MoU establishes a framework for enhanced collaboration in defence technology, joint production, and industrial partnerships, reflecting the growing convergence of security interests between the two nations.
As part of the visit, the Indian delegation also met with Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz, underscoring the political weight behind the agreement.
A dedicated panel session brought together CEOs of leading Israeli defence industries, where cutting-edge technologies and innovation-driven projects were showcased to the Indian side.
These discussions focused on expanding co-development and co-production opportunities, particularly in advanced weapons systems, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.
Israel’s delegation included senior officials from the Political-Military Bureau, Directorate of Defence Research & Development (DDR&D), Directorate of Security of the Defence Establishment, and SIBAT (International Defence Cooperation Directorate), alongside representatives from the IDF Planning Directorate.
India’s delegation featured senior officials from the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces, highlighting the high-level nature of the talks.
Israeli Maj. Gen. Baram described the dialogue as timely and strategic: “This strategic dialogue with India takes place at a critical juncture for both countries. Our strategic partnership is based on deep mutual trust and shared security interests. We view India as a first-rate strategic partner and are determined to continue deepening cooperation in the fields of defence, technology, and industry.”
The MoU is expected to provide a long-term roadmap for bilateral defence ties, including joint research, technology sharing, and industrial collaboration.
Analysts note that the agreement comes amid heightened regional security challenges and reflects both nations’ intent to diversify partnerships while strengthening indigenous defence capabilities.
India and Israel have historically maintained strong defence relations, with Israel ranking among India’s top arms suppliers.
The new MoU signals a shift towards co-creation and innovation-led defence cooperation, moving beyond traditional buyer-seller dynamics.
Sources: Israeli Ministry of Defense, Tribune India
