„Israel ist ein wichtiger Verbündeter unserer nationalen Sicherheit“, sagt der indische Außenminister

Submission Statement:

India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar emphasized the country’s strong security ties with Israel to the upper house (Rajya Sabha/Council of States) of Parliament on Thursday, underscoring that decisions regarding exports with potential military implications are made with national interest and strategic alliances in mind.

“Israel is a country with which we have a strong record of cooperation in national security. It is also a country that has stood by us at different moments when our national security was under threat,” Jaishankar said.

The minister reiterated that India’s export policies, including those concerning defense technologies, are guided by its commitments to international regimes, such as the Wassenaar Arrangement, and by its domestic priorities. He highlighted that India’s export control and licensing processes ensure that decisions align with the nation’s strategic goals.

The minister also noted that while broader geopolitical considerations are taken into account, India’s decisions are ultimately driven by its national interest. This approach has allowed it to maintain robust defense ties with Israel, even as it navigates complex global dynamics.

SIGNIFICANCE:

His statement reinforces the growing importance of the India-Israel relationship, particularly in the context of defense and security cooperation. Since formalizing diplomatic ties in 1992, the two countries have developed a partnership that extends beyond defense into agriculture, technology, and innovation.