The strategic partnership between India and Israel has deepened significantly in recent years, particularly in the realm of counter-terrorism. This collaboration, rooted in shared democratic values and strategic interests, has become increasingly vital in the face of evolving global threats. The recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, and subsequent events have further highlighted the strength of this alliance, extending from the valleys of Kashmir to the corridors of Washington.
The foundation of India-Israel counter-terrorism cooperation was laid in the 1990s, driven by India's need for expertise in dealing with cross-border terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. Israel's extensive experience in counter-insurgency and security made it a valuable partner. This initial collaboration has since expanded to encompass intelligence sharing, joint training exercises, and the acquisition of advanced Israeli defense technology. The first meeting of the India-Israel Joint Working Group on Counterterrorism in 2002 formalized this cooperation, addressing critical areas such as border security, aviation security, terror financing, and cybersecurity.
The 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, perpetrated by the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, exposed significant vulnerabilities in India's security apparatus and served as a catalyst for strengthening ties with Israel. Since then, India has procured a range of Israeli defense systems, including Heron and Harop drones, the Barak-8 air defense system, advanced radar and surveillance technology, and loitering munitions. These technologies have been crucial in enhancing India's surveillance and response capabilities, particularly in challenging terrains like Kashmir.
In response to the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam attack, in which Pakistani Islamists killed 26 civilians, India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Israel publicly supported India's actions, with the Israeli government describing the operation as a "measured and decisive response to terrorism" and reaffirming India's right to self-defense. Israel's Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, emphasized that "Terrorists should know there's no place to hide from their heinous crimes against the innocent." This strong endorsement reflects the deepening strategic alignment between the two nations.
The growing convergence of Indian and Israeli counter-terrorism doctrines is also noteworthy. Following the Pahalgam attack, there was a visible shift in Indian political discourse, with Hindu nationalist voices drawing parallels between the attack and the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel. This rhetorical alignment has facilitated a greater acceptance of Israeli counter-terrorism methods within India, including the concept of preemptive deterrence. India's declaration that future terrorist attacks will be treated as acts of war mirrors Israel's long-standing approach.
Beyond the immediate response to terrorist incidents, India and Israel are also collaborating on long-term strategies to counter extremism and radicalization. This includes sharing best practices in deradicalization programs, combating terror financing, and enhancing cybersecurity. The increasing cyber activities allegedly linked to China is another area of concern. Israel has hosted Indian cyber officials for specialized training sessions in Tel Aviv, where they learn best practices in cyber threat mitigation and develop critical skills for securing industrial infrastructure.
Despite the growing closeness, the India-Israel relationship is not without its complexities. India maintains strategic ties with Iran, a crucial regional partner for energy security, which requires careful diplomatic balancing. Furthermore, as the partnership intensifies, Israel may face a dilemma of being perceived as taking sides in a religious or geopolitical conflict, particularly in the broader Muslim world.
Looking ahead, the India-Israel counter-terrorism partnership is poised for further growth. Joint exercises, such as the security drill conducted in Delhi in May 2024, enhance the coordination and readiness of security forces to respond to potential threats. Moreover, both countries are exploring new avenues for collaboration in areas such as missile defense and cybersecurity. The strategic alignment between India and Israel, driven by shared threats and converging interests, will continue to play a vital role in maintaining regional and global security.
