India supplying arms to Israel in exchange for Kargil support, Claims former envoy
During the Kargil War, Israel supplied India with military equipment, including guided munitions and drones
Former Israeli Ambassador to India, Daniel Carmon, has suggested that India supplying arms to Israel in its ongoing conflict with Gaza may be a gesture of “returning the favour” for Israeli support during the 1999 Kargil War. In an interview with Israel’s Ynetnews, Carmon recalled how Israel was one of the few countries that provided India with crucial military assistance during its war with Pakistan.
“The Indians always remind us that Israel was there for them during the Kargil war,” Carmon, who served as ambassador from 2014 to 2018, said. “The Indians don’t forget this and might now be returning the favour.”
During the Kargil War, Israel supplied India with military equipment, including guided munitions and drones. Carmon’s remarks come amid reports that India has recently provided drones and artillery shells to Israel as the Middle Eastern country faces shortages in its ongoing war with Gaza.
In February, reports indicated that India provided Israel with advanced Hermes 900 drones manufactured in Hyderabad. The Hyderabad facility, established by Israel, primarily produces supplies for the Indian military, but around 20 drones were reportedly sent to Israel for use by the Israeli Defence Forces.
India has not confirmed these reports or reacted to Carmon’s statements. Additionally, in May, Spain blocked a cargo vessel, ‘Marianne Danica’, from docking at Cartagena port on its way to Israel. The vessel, originating from Chennai, was reportedly carrying 27 tonnes of military supplies.
Israel’s conflict with Gaza has now entered its eighth month, resulting in around 38,000 deaths and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people.
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