India supplying arms to Israel, claims former envoy
Former Israeli Ambassador to India, Daniel Carmon, has claimed that India might be supplying arms to Israel amid its ongoing conflict with Gaza. In a recent interview with Ynetnews, Carmon said that this could be a way for India to "return the favor" for Israel's support during the 1999 Kargil War. Notably, Carmon served as Israel's ambassador from 2014 to 2018.
Why does this story matter?
The conflict in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip started on October 7, 2023 after the terror group killed almost 1,200 Israelis and took around 240 hostages during its cross-border attacks on Israel. The Jewish nation responded with a multi-pronged military operation in the strip, killing over 23,200 Palestinians so far. The ongoing war has also triggered a significant humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
'Israel there for India during Kargil war...': Carmon
Carmon recalled that Israel was one of the few nations that provided India with weapons during its war with Pakistan in 1999. The support included military supplies such as guided munitions and drones. "The Indians always remind us that Israel was there for them during the Kargil war... The Indians don't forget this and might now be returning the favor," Carmon said.
Reports suggest India supplying drones, artillery shells to Israel
Recent reports suggest that India has been supplying drones and artillery shells to Israel, particularly as the Middle Eastern country found itself running low on supplies. In February, it was reported that India had supplied Israel with advanced Hermes 900 drones manufactured in Hyderabad. According to reports, the Hyderabad facility, initially set up by Israel for producing supplies for the Indian military, sent around 20 drones to be used by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF).
India yet to confirm reports
India has not yet confirmed these reports or responded to Carmon's claims. In a separate incident, Spain intercepted a cargo vessel named "Marianne Danica" en route to Israel from Chennai in May. The vessel was reportedly carrying 27 tonnes of military supplies, further fueling speculations about India's involvement in supplying arms to Israel.
