India’s secret romance with Israel out in the open

TEL AVIV: India’s soft corner for Israel and the secret relationship the two countries have enjoyed for years came out into the public sphere after the election of Narendra Modi as prime minister in April last year.

Since his election, “Modi has been a very public supporter of Israel” stated the Israeli news outlet, Haaretz. India is the largest buyer of Israeli defence exports to the tune of $1 billion or 15 percent of Israel’s total exports.

During the Aero India exhibition in, Modi paid a visit to the Israeli exhibit and learned about Israeli Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV). Interestingly, Israel’s Defence Minister Moshe Ya’alon was also present on the occasion becoming the first Israeli minister to travel to India.

The presence of Ya’alon and his scheduled meetings with India’s defence minister signals a deepening friendship. Ya’alon speaking before his departure to India said, "this visit is incredibly significant for the strengthening ties with a rising world power such as India. India is a true friend to Israel, and advancing joint interests will greatly benefit both nations and their defense establishments, which have excellent relations themselves."