A leading Indian defence expert is advocating for a significant deepening of India-Israel defence collaboration, suggesting that India could become a major manufacturing hub for Israeli arms.
Bharat Karnad, Senior Fellow in National Security Studies at the Centre for Policy Research in New Delhi, proposes a model where Israel's defence industry focuses on research and development, while India takes on the bulk production of critical defence equipment. This partnership, he argues, would ensure a reliable supply of essential weaponry for both nations while fostering joint R&D projects in cutting-edge military technologies.
Karnad believes India's defence industry is well-equipped to mass-produce crucial arms and ammunition, including small arms, machine guns, and artillery shells. This domestic production would not only fulfill India's own requirements but also contribute to Israel's defence needs, creating a cost-effective and efficient system that leverages India's growing manufacturing prowess.
Among the high-priority items Karnad suggests for local production are the Merkava Mark 4 main battle tank, renowned for its robust design; Uzi automatic machine pistols, iconic for their compact design and close-quarters combat effectiveness; and long-range artillery systems, increasingly vital in modern warfare.
Beyond manufacturing, Karnad emphasizes the potential for India to invest directly in Israeli defence R&D, particularly in emerging fields like artificial intelligence, cyber warfare, and advanced missile systems. By contributing to the funding of Israeli projects, India could secure long-term access to breakthrough technologies that would bolster its own military capabilities.
He envisions Indian and Israeli scientists and engineers working closely together, both in India and Israel, on collaborative projects encompassing systems design and development. This joint effort would foster shared learning and innovation, ensuring both countries remain at the forefront of military technology.
This proposed partnership aligns with India's "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (self-reliant India) initiative, which aims to strengthen the domestic defence industry and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. Producing Israeli-designed equipment in India offers mutual benefits, allowing Israel to maintain a strategic reserve in its production lines while giving India greater control over critical weapon systems.
Furthermore, an India-Israel joint R&D model could become a template for other countries seeking defence technology partnerships with India. It could also accelerate India's technological self-sufficiency by helping Indian defence companies acquire expertise and capabilities that might otherwise take years to develop independently.
Interestingly, Karnad reveals that this idea, though originating from him, is now being actively pursued by the Israeli government. He recounts past conversations with Israeli officials, including former Home Minister Uzi Landau and former Mossad chief Shabtai Shavit, where he outlined this vision for collaborative defence production and R&D.
Karnad concludes by suggesting that the recent Gaza War may have underscored the vulnerability of relying solely on domestic production, even for a technologically advanced nation like Israel. The high attrition rate of war materiel during intense conflicts highlights the need for diversified production and reliable partners, potentially making India an ideal collaborator for Israel in the future.
