India and Israel discussed ways to further strengthen defense cooperation during the visit of the Director General of the Israeli Ministry of Defense, retired Major General Amir Baram, to India on Monday, June 22, 2026.
Major General Baram met with Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and conveyed Israel’s readiness to enhance bilateral defense cooperation under the Special Strategic Partnership between the two countries. The discussions centered on improving collaboration in defense production, technologies, and joint projects.
In a post on the X platform, the Indian Ministry of Defense noted that the meeting highlighted the mutual desire of both nations to deepen defense ties and explore new areas of cooperation. The Israeli Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, shared the post, underscoring the growing partnership between the two nations. “Thank you, Rajnath Singh, Defense Minister, for receiving Major General Amir Baram, Director General of the Israeli Ministry of Defense. Together we are creating more joint projects that will make this Israel-India partnership even more unique,” Azar said.
A key pillar of bilateral relations
India and Israel have experienced significant growth in defense cooperation in recent years, both in volume and scale. Defense remains a crucial pillar of bilateral relations, with both countries closely collaborating in areas such as military technology, defense equipment, research, and development.
Major General Baram held a series of high-level meetings, including discussions with the Defense Minister, the Secretary of the Ministry of Defense, the Chief of Defense Staff, and other senior officials, during which they explored ways to deepen bilateral defense and industrial cooperation.
This visit reflects the strategy of both countries to expand defense exports as a means to enhance the capabilities of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), shape foreign policy, and support the Israeli defense industry and economy. It is part of Israel’s broader efforts to expand strategic partnerships with an eastern focus and strengthen cooperation with key countries in the region.
“India is a key strategic partner of the State of Israel. This important visit, the result of a long bilateral preparatory process, reflects the great importance that India and Israel attach to expanding their growing defense and industrial alliance — but no less so, the depth of the connection between our two nations,” the retired general said. He added that this connection is founded on shared values, deep cultural gratitude, and mutual trust that extends far beyond mere interests, making the partnership unique and the joint projects being advanced together even more significant.
Source: The Hindu