India Returns The Favour To Israel Briefly Explained
India Returns The Favour To Israel Briefly Explained
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00:00In the midst of escalating tensions and conflict in Gaza, India has stood steadfast in its
00:16support of Israel.
00:17Despite mounting pro-Palestinian sentiment from its significant Muslim demographic, India
00:23has continued to supply Israel with advanced military technology including drones and munitions.
00:29This unwavering support underscores the robust strategic partnership between the two nations.
00:35In May 2024, Spanish authorities intercepted the Marianne Danica, a cargo ship en route
00:40from Madras, India to Israel, preventing it from docking at the port of Cartagena.
00:45The vessel was carrying 27 tons of munitions intended for the Israel Defense Forces, IDF,
00:51highlighting India's ongoing military support amid the conflict with Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah
00:57on the Lebanese border.
00:59Since the outbreak of hostilities on October 7, India has been a key supplier of military
01:04assistance to Israel.
01:06Earlier in February 2024, Indian media reported that India was supplying Israel with advanced
01:12Hermes 900 drones, manufactured in Hyderabad.
01:16The factory producing these drones is a joint venture between Israel's Elbit Systems and
01:22Indian conglomerate Adani Group headed by billionaire Gautam Adani, initially established
01:27to supply the Indian military.
01:29The factory adapted to produce 20 drones specifically for the IDF, addressing a critical shortage
01:36during the conflict.
01:37The decision to supply these drones to Israel likely received approval from the highest
01:41echelons of the Indian government.
01:43This move is seen as a reciprocal gesture, acknowledging Israel's role as a major arms
01:48supplier to India.
01:50Reports also indicate that India has supplied artillery shells and other weapons to Israel
01:55since the conflict began, further solidifying their strategic alliance.
01:59"'The Indians always remind us that Israel was there for them during the Kargil War,"
02:04says Daniel Karman, former Israeli ambassador to India.
02:09During the Kargil conflict in 1999, Israel was one of the few countries to provide India
02:14with crucial military assistance, including weapons and surveillance technology.
02:20This historical support has fostered a strong bond between the two nations, influencing
02:25India's current stance.
02:27The Gaza War has tested the relationship between Israel and its allies, with many faltering
02:32in their support.
02:33However, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi quickly expressed unwavering support for Israel,
02:40condemning terrorism in unequivocal terms.
02:43This set the tone for India's diplomatic efforts, which included blocking or mitigating anti-Israel
02:48decisions in international forums such as the Non-Aligned Movement and BRICS, which
02:52comprises Russia, China, Brazil, and South Africa.
03:00The Kargil War was a significant moment in India-Israel relations.
03:05In May 1999, India faced a large-scale military incursion by Pakistan in the Kargil Dras sector,
03:12leading to Operation Vijay.
03:15Israel's timely assistance, providing India with mortar, ammunition, and laser-guided
03:20missiles, played a crucial role in India's counter-offensive.
03:24This support came at a time when India lacked advanced technology and faced international
03:29pressure.
03:30Nicholas Blorell, in his book The Evolution of India's Israel Policy, highlights how Israel's
03:36technology and experience in border control and counter-terrorism proved invaluable to
03:42India.
03:43Precision-guided munitions supplied by Israel helped the Indian Air Force target Pakistani
03:48positions effectively without crossing the Line of Control, LOC, adhering to operational
03:54constraints.
03:56Post-Kargil, India undertook a significant overhaul of its defense capabilities, leading
04:01to closer ties with Israel.
04:03High-level visits, such as those by India's External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh and
04:09Home Minister LK Advani in 2000, paved the way for a deepened defense and strategic partnership.
04:16This relationship has only grown stronger over the years, with both nations benefiting
04:20from shared technology and intelligence.
04:23The ongoing support from India to Israel amidst the Gaza conflict highlights the enduring
04:28strength of their strategic partnership.
04:31While India has not publicly confirmed its arms supplies to Israel, the actions speak
04:36volumes about the mutual trust and reciprocal nature of their relationship.
04:41India has consistently advocated for a negotiated settlement to the Israel-Palestine conflict,
04:47supporting the creation of a Palestinian state while maintaining its strategic alliance with
04:52Israel.
04:53India's firm stance in supporting Israel amid the Gaza war underscores a complex and
04:58historically rooted relationship.
05:00Despite internal and external pressures, India's actions demonstrate a commitment to its strategic
05:06partner, reflecting a deep bond forged through historical support and mutual strategic interests.
05:13As the conflict continues, the India-Israel partnership stands as a testament to enduring
05:18geopolitical alliances and the intricate balance of international diplomacy.
05:36Thank you for watching!
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