India’s ongoing arms sales to Israel raise concerns about complicity in the 'genocide' against Palestinians in Gaza, according to a report from Amnesty International. The rights group says India continues to support the Israeli military despite widespread evidence of violence. Amnesty International argues that India is sending weapons and parts to Israel at a time when the world is watching the humanitarian crisis in Gaza unfold on a near-daily basis. This continued support, the report claims, is happening in direct contradiction to the global calls to prevent further atrocities.
The Scope of Indian Arms Exports
Amnesty’s report, obtained by Al Jazeera, reveals India has shipped thousands of weapons parts and ammunition to Israel since the start of 2023. The analysis included exports listed under the Harmonised System codes 93+ and 8710+, which are used to classify arms and weapon parts. These shipments, according to Amnesty, have been going to Israeli companies such as Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, IMI Systems Limited, and MCT Materials. These firms are well-known suppliers to the Israeli military, and the parts they receive from India contribute to the production of drones, shells, and other military equipment used in the war.
Al Jazeera also obtained 91 Indian customs documents covering arms-related exports in 2024. These were categorized under code 93069000, which refers to bombs and grenades, as listed by India's Ministry of Commerce and Industry. These records confirm that Indian companies are directly sending war-related materials to Israel. The specific companies involved include major arms manufacturers, and the types of items shipped cover everything from components for military-grade weapons to parts for explosives and artillery casings.
The International Court of Justice ordered provisional measures in 2024 to prevent genocide in Gaza, and since then, multiple human rights groups and UN experts have accused Israel of committing genocide. The ICJ ruling was a clear call to Israel to take steps to avoid further loss of life and to protect civilians. But Amnesty International says that instead of cutting off arms supplies, India is increasing its role in arming the country in question. The report highlights how Indian arms exports are feeding the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where millions of civilians are trapped under Israeli bombardment and blockades.
India’s Defense Ties with Israel
India and Israel have deepened defense and security partnerships in recent years. India was Israel’s largest arms buyer during 2020 to 2025, with 29 percent of total sales, according to SIPRI data. Israel ranked third in India’s arms import sources during the same period. India has also become a major supplier of arms and defense materials to Israel, with the two nations now forming a core part of each other’s military supply chains. This shift marks a significant change from earlier decades when India primarily sourced arms from Russia.
A 2025 memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed to boost military, industrial, and technological cooperation. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel, the two countries expressed satisfaction with the growth in defense cooperation and laid out a vision for future ties. The MoU is part of a broader strategy to position India as a global leader in defense innovation and manufacturing, with Israel as a key partner. This partnership has allowed for the exchange of technology, joint research, and shared training programs, all of which have contributed to strengthening military capabilities on both sides.
Despite these developments, Amnesty criticizes India for failing to regulate its arms exports to Israel under international law and for deepening its defense partnerships. Agnes Callamard, Amnesty International’s secretary-general, highlighted the contradiction in India’s actions. She pointed out that India is manufacturing and supplying arms to Israel through the control and ownership it has over key supplier companies. This, she said, shows a clear disregard for the international legal framework and a refusal to prevent arms sales to a country accused of war crimes and genocide. Callamard also noted that India has failed to take any steps to stop private companies from sending arms to Israel, despite the widespread evidence of their potential misuse.
Modi, who has often praised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has maintained a close relationship with him despite the ongoing international scrutiny of Israel’s actions in Gaza. The Indian leader has described Netanyahu as a 'dear friend' and has continued to strengthen bilateral ties, including through high-level visits and defense agreements. However, these diplomatic and economic moves have come under increasing criticism from human rights organizations and international legal experts, who argue that India is prioritizing its political and economic interests over the protection of civilians in Gaza.