Egozi: Another Stage at India-Israel Security Ties

Egozi: Another Stage at India-Israel Security Ties

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The visit of India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Israel is highly important due to the links between this state and the Israeli defense industries.

The visit will focus, among other sectors, on the widespread security links between the two countries, and it is estimated that during the visit several central deals would be signed.

In recent year, India has become a central market for these industries.

India has been continuously purchasing missile systems designed to defend vessels and shore targets, the Barak -8. This system was developed in cooperation between IAI and the Indian Defense Ministry.

In addition, India purchased various UAV models and intends to buy several more. IAI’s Tavor assault rifle has been manufactured in India under license, and this is only a partial list.

During recent years, India changed its defense purchase policy and is now based on the Make in India concept, i.e. whoever wishes to sell to India must transfer technology and part of the manufacture to Indian companies.

The Israeli companies have reacted to this policy with accommodation and have signed a long list of cooperation agreements with Indian companies.

The Israel-India trade in all fields has reached $4.167 billion in 2016. In the past decade alone, Israel’s exports to India have risen a total of about 60%, according to Israel’s Economy Ministry.

A business delegation, including about 100 entrepreneurs, is arriving in Israel with Modi. Members of the delegation, alongside Israeli innovators and investors, are expected to promote new business partnerships and expand existing collaborative activity.

Arie Egozi
i-HLS Editor-in-Chief