India‑Israel Arms Trade Soars 33‑Fold to $185 Million in 10 Years
India’s arms trade with Israel has surged nearly 33 times over the past decade, growing from just $5.6 million in 2015 to a substantial $185 million in 2024. This dramatic escalation highlights the deepening strategic and defence partnership between the two nations, even as Israel’s overall exports to India have shown a declining trend in other sectors.
This rise in weapons and ammunition imports comes at a time when India is actively seeking to modernise its armed forces, diversify its defence procurement sources, and strengthen bilateral ties with key global partners. In 2023, the arms trade between the two countries reached an even higher peak of $265 million before normalising slightly in 2024.
India Israel Arms
In a span of just a few years, weapons and ammunition have risen to become the second-largest import category for India from Israel, just after electrical machinery. This is a striking change from the period before 2020 when military imports from Israel did not even feature among India’s top ten imported categories from the country.
Defence Trade Growth
The sharp increase in arms trade reflects a strategic realignment, with Israel now playing a key role in supplying India with cutting-edge military technology. The $128 million spent in 2024 alone on arms imports from Israel underscores the strengthening defence ties and growing trust in Israeli systems—particularly in areas like air defence systems, drone technology, radar, and surveillance equipment.
India’s procurement strategy has traditionally been dominated by Russia, the United States, and France. However, Israel is emerging as a significant player due to its reputation for innovation, reliability, and willingness to collaborate on technology transfer and co-production under India’s “Make in India” defence manufacturing initiative.
Military Imports Impact
Although arms imports still constitute a relatively small share of the total $3 billion bilateral trade between the two nations, the pace of growth in this category signals a powerful strategic pivot. India’s defence establishment has identified Israel as a preferred partner for niche technologies that are not easily available from other countries.
This growing reliance, however, also invites scrutiny. Concerns about cost escalation, integration with existing systems, and transparency in procurement processes remain important considerations. Nevertheless, the speed and scale of cooperation show that India views Israel as a key defence partner amid evolving regional and global security dynamics.
Looking ahead, India is likely to continue diversifying its defence imports, with Israeli firms playing a vital role in delivering advanced military solutions tailored to India’s operational needs. The exponential rise in arms trade not only reflects mutual strategic trust but also cements weapons technology as a central pillar in the India-Israel relationship.
