Former Israeli Ambassador says India supplying arms to Israel in gratitude for Kargil War support
New Delhi: Former Israeli Ambassador to India, Daniel Carmon, in an interview with Israeli publication Ynetnews, suggested that India might be supplying arms to Israel as an act of gratitude for Israel's support during the Kargil War in 1999.
Carmon’s remarks come amidst growing suspicion that India has been providing drones and artillery shells to Israel, which has been engaged in prolonged conflict in Gaza for over eight months, resulting in the deaths of around 38,000 people.
“We appreciate the support of India, a country that has suffered from terrorism and knows exactly what terrorism is and how to confront terrorism. We know and we count on the support of so many friends who are supporting us; India is a part of it,” Carmon stated in an interview with ANI.
In May, Spanish authorities barred the “Marianne Danica” cargo ship from docking at the Cartagena port on its way to Israel. The ship, which originated in Madras, India, was carrying 27 tonnes of military supplies for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the skirmishes with Hezbollah on the Lebanon border. This incident highlighted that India has been providing substantial military aid to Israel since October 7.
Ynetnews cited Indian media reports from February, revealing for the first time that India was supplying Israel with advanced Hermes 900 drones manufactured in Hyderabad. The report also mentioned that due to the scarcity of drones during the war, Israel had converted 20 of these drones exclusively for the IDF. This conversion was made possible through a collaboration between Israeli defense giant Elbit Systems and Indian billionaire Gautam Adani’s consortium, marking the first factory to manufacture these drones outside Israel.
The pro-Israeli newspaper noted, “The war in Gaza put the relationship between Israel and India to a tough test, one that many allies failed to pass. During the first hours of October 7, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted his support for Israel and unequivocally condemned terrorism. Once he set the tone, his country showed unconditional support for Israel in the first few months.”
Azad Essa’s new book, "Hostile Homelands: The New Alliance Between India and Israel" (Pluto Press, 2023), offers an in-depth exploration of the evolving relationship between India and Israel, particularly in the context of Hindutva, Zionism, and the new configurations of global capital and far-right politics.
Essa writes, “On July 14, 2022, the U.S.-Israel-UAE-India grouping officially launched as the ‘I2U2’ (India, Israel, the United States, and UAE) or the ‘West Asia Quad.’ Within hours of its launch, it was reported that Haifa Port had been sold to the Indian company Adani Ports, operating on a joint bid with the Israeli company Gadot. Within days, the Indian flag was hoisted alongside the Israeli flag above the port.”
He further notes, “As it stands, Indian factories in conjunction with Israeli partners have already started producing Israeli assault rifles like the Tavor, the Negev Machine Gun, and the Uzi submachine guns; Spike anti-tank guided missiles; as well as Skystriker drones. Though still smaller than other countries, Indian arms exports doubled between 2018 and 2019.”
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People are voting fearlessly in West Bengal this time: PM Modi
Hardoi (UP) (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said voters
are casting their vote in West Bengal this time in a "fearless atmosphere", which was unimaginable in the past six or seven decades.
He also asserted that the assembly poll results on May 4 will further strengthen the resolve of a developed India.
Voting is underway in 142 constituencies of West Bengal in the second and final phase of polling.
Addressing a gathering after the inauguration of the Ganga Expressway here, Modi said today marks an important day in the festival of democracy.
"Voting for the second phase is underway in Bengal, and reports indicate a massive turnout, with people stepping out in large numbers just like in the first phase. Images of long queues at polling stations are flooding social media, reflecting the enthusiasm of the people to exercise their democratic right," he said.
"What we are witnessing in Bengal today is unprecedented which was difficult to imagine in the past six to seven decades, a fearless environment where people are voting without fear," he said.
The prime minister said this is a powerful symbol of the country's Constitution and the strengthening of democracy.
"I express my gratitude to the great people of Bengal for being so aware of their rights and participating in large numbers," he said.
With several hours of voting still left, the prime minister urged the people of Bengal to continue participating in this democratic festival with the same enthusiasm.
Modi said in the recent Bihar Assembly elections, the BJP and NDA achieved a historic and decisive victory.
"Just yesterday, results of local body elections in Gujarat showed that the BJP secured victories in nearly 80 to 85 percent of municipalities and panchayats.
"The results on May 4 will further strengthen the resolve of a developed India and will infuse new energy into the pace of development of the country."
The first phase of polling for 152 seats -- out of the 294-member West Bengal assembly -- was held on April 23.
The counting of votes for assembly polls in Kerala, West Bengal, Puducherry, Assam and Tamil Nadu will take place on May 4.
