India and Israel sign new defence MoU to expand industrial, tech and security cooperation
TEL AVIV, Israel – November 6, 2025: India and Israel have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen defence, industrial and technological collaboration. The agreement was concluded during the annual Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting in Tel Aviv on 4 November 2025, co-chaired by Indian Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Major General (Res) Amir Baram, Director General of the Israel Ministry of Defense (IMoD). The MoU sets a policy framework to guide expanded cooperation across security and innovation domains.
MoU sets strategic direction for defence partnership
The newly signed MoU establishes a shared vision to advance a robust India-Israel defence partnership. Both sides identified priority areas to strengthen strategic dialogues, capability development and industrial ties, including:
- Strategic dialogues and training arrangements
- Defence industrial initiatives and science and technology collaboration
- Research and development programmes
- AI and cyber security cooperation
The agreement will support technology sharing, and encourage co-development and co-production to accelerate joint capabilities and defence manufacturing. Delegates at the JWG reviewed ongoing projects and current initiatives between the two countries, noting that past and present cooperation has been mutually beneficial.
High-level talks underscore shared priorities
Co-chaired by Rajesh Kumar Singh and Amir Baram, the JWG session examined opportunities to integrate advanced technologies and enhance operational capabilities in both defence sectors. Participants also addressed shared security concerns, including counterterrorism, underscoring a coordinated approach to regional and global threats.
Official remarks
Major General (Res) Amir Baram said: “This strategic dialogue with India takes place at a critical juncture for both countries. Our strategic partnership is based on deep mutual trust and shared security interests. We view India as a first-rate strategic partner and are determined to continue deepening cooperation in the fields of defence, technology, and industry.”
India’s Ministry of Defence said on X: “Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh called on Israeli Defence Minister Mr. Israel Katz and briefed him on the key outcomes of the Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting, aimed at further strengthening the robust and enduring defence cooperation between India and Israel.”
Industry engagement and technology pathways
A dedicated panel featuring chief executives from major Israeli defence companies was convened during the visit. Industry leaders presented recent technological developments and proposed collaborative projects to reinforce industrial-defence partnerships with Indian counterparts, aligning with India’s production and self-reliance goals.
Earlier in 2025, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and DCX Systems established a joint venture, ELTX, to support the Indian government’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ initiatives, signalling growing momentum in bilateral defence production and supply-chain collaboration.
Who attended
Representation included senior officials from both governments and the armed forces:
- Israel: Political-Military Bureau; Directorate of Defence Research & Development (DDR&D); Directorate of Security of the Defence Establishment; International Defence Cooperation Directorate (SIBAT); participants from the IDF Planning Directorate and other defence officials.
- India: Senior representatives from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Armed Forces.
Context: expanding India-Israel defence ties
The MoU builds on years of strategic defence cooperation across intelligence sharing, technology transfer and joint industrial projects. By prioritising AI, cyber security, R&D, and co-production, the agreement aims to accelerate capability development, promote supply-chain resilience, and support India’s domestic manufacturing ecosystem while enhancing Israel’s industrial partnerships in Asia.
Key takeaways from the JWG
- MoU signed on 4 November 2025 in Tel Aviv, setting policy direction for expanded cooperation.
- Focus areas include strategic dialogue, training, defence industry collaboration, science and technology, R&D, AI, and cyber security.
- Commitment to technology sharing, co-development, and co-production.
- Industry CEOs showcased new technologies and proposed joint projects.
- Shared stance on addressing terrorism and strengthening operational capabilities.
Conclusion
The India-Israel defence MoU marks a significant step toward deeper industrial, technological, and security cooperation. With high-level participation, industry engagement and defined areas of collaboration, both countries have outlined a practical roadmap for co-development and co-production, advanced R&D, and enhanced AI and cyber security ties. Implementation efforts are expected to proceed through ongoing JWG mechanisms and follow-on industry initiatives, including ventures aligned with Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India.
