India-Israel Relations Grow Strong: Counterterrorism and internal-security
In February 2026, Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi visited Israel. This visit not only highlighted India’s growing interest in strengthening and balancing relations with countries in the Middle East but also enhanced India’s image as a nation that stands resolute against terrorism. One of the key highlights of the evolving Indo-Israel relationship is the mutual support for a robust stance against non-state actors. It is in this context that the article aims to explore the positive outcomes of the visit, particularly as both Israel and India have been victims of non-state actors and state-sponsored terrorism, which are often used to further foreign policy objectives. The collaboration between these two nations may lead to enhanced security measures and intelligence sharing that could ultimately promote stability in the region.
During Operation Sindoor, Israel reiterated its support for India when the Defence Minister, Major General (Res.) Amir Baram supported India’s rightful fight against terrorism. Israel’s Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, expressed strong support for India’s right to defend itself against terrorism. India has reciprocated with equal conviction in its solidarity to stand with Israel against terrorism during PM Modi’s recent visit to Israel, when he addressed the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament and expressed condolences “for every life lost and for every family whose world was shattered in the barbaric terrorist attack” by Hamas in October 2025. The Indian prime minister also expressed his concern about counterterrorism, which requires “sustained and coordinated global action.”
The Indian PM also received the Speaker of the Knesset Medal, and one of the major reasons for this feather on India’s cap is India’s continued support for Israel in its fight against terrorism. In the recent past, not only has India’s fight against terrorism echoed Israel’s fight against terrorism, but common threats have also become a major concern. Hamas’ reportedly strengthened relations with Pakistan should become a concern for India also, as they could bring vast experiences and sophisticated weapon systems for Pakistan’s asymmetric groups. In fact, Hamas leader, Dr Naji Zaheer, visited Pakistan soon after the October 2025 massacre. Hamas’ increased influence in Pakistan is visible in the way Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has categorically declined the possibility of sending Pakistani troops to disarm Hamas, and is only willing to send troops for peace keeping purpose.
Israel has supported India’s fight against terrorism by supplying small arms for counter-terrorism operations. India not only grapples with the challenges of terrorism but also faces severe security-related issues stemming from various insurgencies and homeland security threats. The complexities of India’s security landscape are exacerbated by its neighbouring states, which sometimes exploit these insurgent movements to instigate or amplify instability within Indian territory. This multifaceted struggle against terrorism and insurgency requires a robust and coordinated response, emphasising the importance of international support and collaboration. Israel’s assistance, therefore, plays a crucial role in bolstering India’s capabilities to address these pressing security challenges effectively.
India’s paramilitary forces, responsible for addressing counter-insurgency challenges, operate under the supervision of the home ministry and utilise advanced Israeli small arms to enhance their effectiveness in the field. These forces play a crucial role in maintaining internal security and stability in regions affected by insurgency and unrest. The integration of Israeli small arms into their arsenal not only meets their operational requirements but also reflects a significant collaboration between India and Israel in defence technology. This partnership aims to equip Indian forces with state-of-the-art weaponry, thereby improving their capabilities to tackle emerging threats and safeguard national interests more efficiently.
India’s Assam Rifles (AR), a counterinsurgency organisation in the North East, uses Israeli small arms like the IWI X-95 (Micro Tavor) produced by the Israeli Weapon Industry (IWI). It is also used by the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), including the Central Reserve Police Forces (CRPF) and Border Security Forces (BSF). Many state police forces have also inducted this gun, one being the Nagaland Police. Mumbai Police’s elite force, Force One, also employs this gun. This gun is a standard issue rifle for the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) and is suitable for close quarter combats. India’s paramilitary forces also use IWI Negev Light Machine Guns and forces like the AR and BSF. Some of these paramilitary forces, like the Border Security Force (BSF) and Assam Rifles (AR), also use Sniper Rifle. Sniper is also used by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).
One of the key developments in Indo-Israeli cooperation for homeland security has been the co-production of the weapon systems. Israeli Negev guns are now domestically produced by India. In fact, India indigenously produces Sniper Rifles currently, and India’s private firm SSS Defence exported high-powered long-range Sniper Rifle called the Sabre. Thus, not only are Indo-Israeli relations enabling India to become self-sustained in light weaponries for counterinsurgency operations, it has also provided a base for India’s private enterprises to develop capabilities to provide an impetus to India’s defence export market on small arms.
By the end of 2025, India’s Home Ministry also entered into talks with the IWI, which is expanding its foothold in India’s homeland security affairs, too, to supply pistols, rifles, and machine guns. These significant developments were made possible by the strengthened Indo-Israeli relations that have flourished under the leadership of two powerful figures: Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Netanyahu. Their collaborative efforts have not only enhanced military cooperation but also fostered a deeper strategic partnership aimed at ensuring regional stability and addressing security challenges. This alliance exemplifies how diplomatic ties can translate into tangible advancements in defence sectors.
The bonhomie between India and Israel has benefited India in its efforts to actively resort to weaponries that are conducive for counter terrorism operations. In this process, India also benefited by inducting some of these weapon systems for counter insurgency process. One of the aspects that has enabled counter- insurgency operations’ effectiveness in the recent past is the induction and employment of the Israeli weapon systems, which are now domestically produced. This allowance by Israel to co-produce weapon systems is a result of consistent effort from the Indian government’s side to openly support and commiserate with Israel’s state of affairs in matters of terrorism without inhibitions.
Views expressed are those of the author(s)
