The recent revelations by the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth have brought to light a significant aspect of the India-Israel defense cooperation. According to the report, India has been providing Israel with cannon shells and other weapons since the outbreak of the recent conflict in Gaza. This partnership underscores a deep and multifaceted alliance that extends beyond defense into various sectors, while also raising serious ethical concerns regarding their actions in Palestine and Kashmir.
Deepening Defense Ties
India and Israel’s defense cooperation has grown steadily over the years, marked by numerous deals and collaborations. Since establishing formal diplomatic relations in 1992, the two countries have cultivated a robust defense partnership. Here are some key aspects of their defense collaboration:
Arms Trade: India is one of the largest buyers of Israeli military equipment. In 2017, the two nations signed a $2 billion contract for the supply of Barak-8 surface-to-air missiles. Additionally, India has purchased Heron drones, Spike anti-tank missiles, and various radar and surveillance systems from Israel.
Joint Ventures and Collaborations: The two countries have engaged in joint military exercises and technology transfer agreements. The Indo-Israel Agricultural Project (IIAP) is an example of technological collaboration, though primarily in the agricultural sector, reflecting the depth of bilateral cooperation.
Recent Controversies: The Yedioth Ahronoth report reveals that since the Gaza war began, India has supplied Israel with critical military supplies, including cannon shells. Moreover, it was reported that a ship carrying 27 metric tons of explosives from India to Israel was prevented from reaching its destination by Spanish authorities in June 2023. This incident highlights the ongoing and substantial military logistics support from India to Israel.
Atrocities in Gaza and Kashmir
The defense collaboration between India and Israel has drawn criticism due to their respective actions in Palestine and Kashmir. Both countries have been accused of committing human rights violations against Muslim populations in these regions.
Gaza: The recent conflict in Gaza has resulted in significant civilian casualties and widespread destruction. Israel’s military actions in Gaza have been widely condemned for their disproportionate use of force and the humanitarian crises they create. The supply of weapons from India to Israel during this period raises ethical questions about India’s role in the conflict.
Kashmir: India has faced international criticism for its policies in Jammu and Kashmir. Since the revocation of Article 370 in August 2019, which granted special autonomy to the region, there has been a significant increase in military presence and alleged human rights abuses. Reports of arbitrary detentions, communication blackouts, and excessive use of force have drawn parallels with the situation in Gaza.
Broader Collaboration
Beyond defense, India and Israel collaborate in various other sectors:
Agriculture: The Indo-Israel Agricultural Project (IIAP) aims to enhance agricultural productivity through the adoption of Israeli technology. This project includes setting up centers of excellence across India to train farmers in modern agricultural techniques.
Cybersecurity: Both countries are also working closely in the field of cybersecurity, sharing expertise and developing advanced technologies to protect against cyber threats.
Innovation and Technology: India and Israel have several agreements to boost innovation and technology exchange. Israel’s expertise in water management and renewable energy has been particularly beneficial for India.
Ethical Considerations and Global Reactions
The cooperation between India and Israel, especially in the defense sector, has significant ethical implications. The ongoing violence and human rights violations in Gaza and Kashmir bring to light the moral responsibilities of nations engaging in defense trade.
International Criticism: Both countries have faced international scrutiny and criticism for their actions. Human rights organizations and various countries have called for greater accountability and adherence to international humanitarian laws.
Impact of Collaborations: The collaboration in defense and technology not only strengthens their military capabilities but also potentially fuels the ongoing conflicts in their respective regions. The international community remains divided on how to address these issues, with some advocating for sanctions and others calling for diplomatic solutions.
Conclusion
The defense partnership between India and Israel is a testament to their strategic alignment and shared interests. However, the ethical implications of this relationship cannot be overlooked. As both countries continue to enhance their military and technological collaborations, the international community must ensure that these alliances do not contribute to further human rights violations.
Israel and India has excessively used military power to suppress Palestinians and Kashmiris. They used all modern and advanced weapons, tactics, and extreme measures to eliminate Palestinians and Kashmiris. Both, India and Israel has surpassed all records of Human Rights Violations against Palestine and Kashmir. But, both failed to suppress their struggle for self-determination, which was provided them by the UN. Israeli IDF has confessed that they cannot win against the ideology of Palestinians. It is better to implement UNSC resolution on Kashmir and Palestine, and prevail a sustainable peace in the entire region.
Author: Prof. Engr. Zamir Ahmed Awan, Founding Chair GSRRA, Sinologist, Diplomat, Editor, Analyst, Consultant, Advisor, and Non-Resident Fellow of CCG. (E-mail: awanzamir@yahoo.com).