Entire range of bilateral Defence ties and security situation in the Indian Sub-Continent with special focus on terrorism will come up for discussion during Israel Defence Minister Moshe Ya’alon’s talks with his Indian counterpart Manohar Parrikar here next week. Heading a high-profile delegation, the Israeli Minister will also inaugurate his country’s pavilion in international aerospace exhibition ‘Aero India 2015’ to be held at Bengaluru from February 18 to 22.
Israel has emerged as one of the biggest weapon suppliers to India since diplomatic ties were established in 1990 between the two countries. Israeli firms are now actively engaged in several projects of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), besides selling weapons like Barak missiles to the Navy and Phalcon Airborne early warning system (AWACS) planes to IAF.
Israel is one of the leading manufacturers of sophisticated avionics and missile systems and several Indian fighter jets and warships are now fitted with these systems. Moreover, some Israeli firms are in the race for the Rs5,000-crore deal for buying assault rifles for the Indian Army besides Rs2,000-crore deal for artillery guns. The two Ministers will hold extensive discussion on carrying forward Defence relationship as Ya’alon is coming with a senior delegation of Defence officials and CEOs of Israeli Defence firms. Meanwhile, at least 15 Israeli companies are expected to exhibit in Aero India. He is also likely to call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“The visit of Minister is an important event and the manifestation of the growing relations between the two countries across the board, including in Defence cooperation,” Israeli Ambassador here Daniel Carmon said in a statement here on Friday. India and Israel share many challenges and interests and “I am sure this visit will strengthen the friendship and partnership we have with India,” he said.