India Supplies Israel With Over 2,500 Weapons Shipments Since October 2023

A new Amnesty International report reveals that since October 7, 2023, India has delivered 2,596 shipments of weapons, ammunition, and military components to Israel. This extensive supply chain stems from Israeli defense companies such as Elbit Systems, Israel Aerospace Industries, and Rafael adapting to India's "Make in India" policy, which mandates at least 50% local production to boost self-reliance.

Despite these local production requirements, India remains Israel's largest defense customer, accounting for approximately 29% of Israeli defense exports between 2021 and 2025. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, India imported $20.6 billion worth of Israeli defense goods during this period, surpassing Germany's $14.9 billion and the United States' $5.5 billion. Israeli Defense Ministry data confirms total Israeli defense exports reached about $71 billion in those years.

The report highlights the reciprocal nature of the Israel-India defense relationship, with Israeli technology and manufacturing expertise being transferred to India, effectively integrating India into Israel's defense supply chain. Israeli Defense Ministry Director-General Amir Baram, who visited India in June 2026, emphasized the strategic alignment of Israel with countries like India, the UAE, Greece, and Cyprus in response to regional threats, particularly from Iran.

Amnesty's analysis of official Indian records shows shipments included nearly 391,000 small arms parts, over 564,000 explosive ammunition components, and 298 military vehicle parts. The report excludes civilian-use items and air defense-specific components. Amnesty criticizes India for structural failures in adhering to international arms trade standards, including a lack of mandatory human rights due diligence, noting India abstained from adopting the 2013 Arms Trade Treaty and has not joined it since.

India ranks as the world's second-largest arms importer after Ukraine, sourcing 40% of its imports from Russia, 29% from France, and 15% from Israel. Despite international embargoes on Israel, the country continues to receive arms shipments from nations like the US and Germany, sometimes routed through countries such as Slovenia and France, despite political opposition from leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron.

The report sheds light on the complex and expanding defense ties between Israel and India amid ongoing regional conflicts and geopolitical shifts.