Israel confirms secret military support to India as defense trade tops $10 billion

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly confirmed in August 2025 that Israel secretly supplied India with advanced military equipment during Operation Sindoor, a cross-border military campaign India launched against Pakistan in May 2025. The confirmation marks the first time Israel officially acknowledged direct involvement in the conflict.

Netanyahu specifically referenced the delivery of Barak-8 surface-to-air missile systems and HARPY loitering drones, adding that the equipment “worked very well on the field.”

What happened and why it matters beyond defense

Operation Sindoor was India’s military response to the Pahalgam terror attack, targeting multiple sites inside Pakistan.

Israel ranks as the fourth-largest supplier of arms to India. Defense trade between the two nations has surpassed $10 billion, making it one of the most consequential bilateral defense relationships in the world.

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