Israel gets new market for its weapons and Indians are celebrating as Modi lands in Tel Aviv
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Israel which was constantly searching for allies at the United Nations and for new business partners and big markets for its defence industry has portrayed the Indian Prime Minster Narendra Modi visit as a major diplomatic victory and as well as a new market for its weapons.
Israeli analysts have noted that Modi is not scheduled to travel to Ramallah to meet Palestinian leaders during his three-day stay, as is common for visiting dignitaries.
Modi did however meet Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas in New Delhi in May.
India is the world’s biggest importer of defence equipment, and Israel has become one of its major suppliers.
Israeli media have reported that the two countries sign defence deals averaging more than $1 billion (880 million euros) a year.
In April, state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries said India would buy nearly $2 billion worth of weapons technology, making it the military exporting giant’s largest ever defence contract.
The deal will see IAI provide India with an advanced defence system of medium-range surface-to-air missiles, launchers and communications technology.
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