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India and Israel on November 4 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Tel Aviv to deepen collaboration in defence technology, joint production, and innovation. The agreement was signed during the 17th meeting of the Joint Working Group (JWG) on Defence Cooperation, co-chaired by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Maj Gen (Res) Amir Baram, Director General of the Israeli Ministry of Defence.

The MoU aims to strengthen strategic and industrial cooperation between the two nations by creating a framework for sharing advanced technology, co-development of systems, and co-production of defence equipment. It also outlines areas such as artificial intelligence, cyber security, science and technology, and research and development as key pillars of partnership.

A Ministry of Defence statement said the agreement would provide a unified vision to deepen the longstanding India–Israel defence relationship, built on trust and shared security interests.

Both sides reviewed ongoing defence projects and identified new areas for collaboration. Officials agreed to build on each other’s technological strengths and explore joint initiatives in areas such as next-generation combat systems, unmanned platforms, and defence innovation.

The JWG also recognised the importance of training, capacity-building, and strategic dialogue to strengthen operational preparedness. The meeting reaffirmed that cooperation in defence technology and industry has benefited both nations and contributed to regional stability.

A significant part of the dialogue focused on security cooperation and the global threat of terrorism. The two delegations reiterated their commitment to a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism and agreed to work together towards enhancing intelligence sharing and counter-terror capabilities.

“The two sides discussed potential areas for future collaboration in technology and enhancing operational capabilities. They also deliberated on shared challenges of terrorism and underscored their collective resolve to fight against the threat,” the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.

The JWG meeting coincided with the visit of Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar to India, during which he met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in New Delhi. Both leaders reaffirmed the strategic nature of the bilateral relationship and expressed intent to expand cooperation across multiple sectors.

Jaishankar noted that India and Israel have stood together in testing times and share a relationship rooted in trust and reliability. “Our two nations face a particular challenge from terrorism. It is essential that we work towards ensuring a global approach of zero-tolerance towards terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations,” he said.

Beyond defence, India and Israel are also expanding their economic engagement. In September this year, the two countries signed a Bilateral Investment Agreement aimed at boosting mutual investments, which currently stand at about $800 million. The agreement is expected to open new opportunities for businesses and strengthen technology-driven partnerships.

Ankit Kumar is a Senior Sub Editor at Zee Business. He covers international affairs, politics, climate change, business, finance and global elections. With experience acros