Remarks from Former Ambassador Daniel Carmon
Daniel Carmon, who served as Israel’s ambassador to India from 2014 to 2018, made these comments in an interview with Israeli publication Ynetnews. He emphasized the historical support Israel provided to India during its conflict with Pakistan in 1999. “The Indians always remind us that Israel was there for them during the Kargil war. Israel was one of the few countries that stood by them and provided them with weapons,” Carmon said. He added, “The Indians don’t forget this and might now be returning the favour.”Israel’s Support During the Kargil War
During the Kargil War, which took place between May and July 1999 in the Kargil region of Jammu and Kashmir, Israel provided India with crucial military supplies, including precision-guided munitions and surveillance drones. This support was vital for India during its high-altitude conflict with Pakistan.
Reports of Arms Supply to Israel
Recent news reports suggest that India has been supplying drones and munitions to Israel for its military campaign against Hamas. Indian media reported in February that India had supplied Israel with advanced Hermes 900 drones manufactured in Hyderabad. The drones were produced at a facility originally set up by the Israeli military to supply the Indian military, but the reports mentioned that 20 drones were converted to be used by the Israeli Defence Forces after Israel’s own supplies ran low.
Spain’s Intervention
In May, Spain prevented a cargo ship carrying arms from India to Israel from docking at its ports. Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares confirmed that the country did not want to “contribute to war.” The ship, which was coming from Chennai, was carrying 27 tonnes of military supplies intended for Israel.Political and Public Response in India
India has refrained from directly criticizing Israel for its actions in Gaza, instead calling for a ceasefire and expressing support for a two-state solution. However, reports of arms supplies to Israel have sparked protests in India. The Indian public has expressed concerns about supporting a military campaign that, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip, has killed more than 37,000 Palestinians, many of them women and children.Meanwhile, India has not official confirmed any arms export to Israel during the current Israel-Gaza conflict.
In March, India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval visited Israel and discussed regional developments with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This was the only visit made by a senior Indian official to Israel since the outbreak of the war, despite Israel’s desire to host a larger solidarity visit.
Current Status of the Gaza Conflict
The conflict in Gaza, initiated by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following a terror attack by Hamas on October 7, continues to escalate. The attack resulted in the death of 1,200 people and the capture of more than 250 individuals. As part of its support for Israel, India has been recruiting and dispatching thousands of workers to bolster Israel’s economy after the Netanyahu government banned tens of thousands of Palestinian workers.
