Pakistan has voiced serious concerns regarding the deepening defence relationship between Israel and India, highlighting the implications such cooperation could have on Islamabad’s security and the broader regional equilibrium. The Foreign Office reaffirmed its awareness of the evolving military collaboration, including the deployment of advanced defence systems and platforms by New Delhi that could potentially be used against Pakistan.
During a routine weekly briefing, Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi addressed questions about the recent agreements forged during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel. He emphasized that Pakistan remains fully alert to the security challenges posed by the strengthening ties between the two countries. Andrabi underscored that these developments threaten not only Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity but also have wider ramifications for peace and stability across South Asia.
Expanding on Pakistan’s stance, the spokesperson reiterated the country’s commitment to maintaining robust military preparedness. He assured that Pakistan is equipped and ready to deter any form of aggression emanating from India, signaling a firm posture in the face of potential threats. This declaration comes amid announcements by Modi regarding joint defence initiatives with Israel, including technology development, production, and transfer, as well as discussions on a prospective free trade agreement.
Modi’s two-day visit to Israel culminated in several strategic agreements aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation. Notably, the two nations agreed to collaborate in the domain of “horizon scanning,” a sophisticated approach intended to boost India’s strategic foresight capabilities. This initiative involves joint research efforts, capacity building, and the use of artificial intelligence tools to improve risk assessment and technology planning, statements from the Indian foreign ministry.
In addition to defence collaboration, the visit also included economic and labour-related agreements. Israel consented to increase the quota of Indian workers permitted to enter the country by 50,000 over the next five years, primarily targeting employment in manufacturing sectors. This move is expected to strengthen people-to-people ties and economic linkages between the two countries.
Prime Minister Modi also highlighted India’s ongoing diplomatic efforts to foster peace in West Asia. He referred to the “Gaza peace plan” as a hopeful pathway toward resolving longstanding conflicts and reiterated India’s full support for initiatives aimed at achieving durable peace in the region. Modi’s visit coincided with heightened tensions in the Middle East, particularly as the United States deployed significant naval forces near Iran’s coastline amid stalled negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear program.
During a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Modi emphasized the shared commitment of India and Israel to combat terrorism collaboratively. This visit, marking Modi’s second official trip to Israel since assuming office in 2014, focused heavily on deepening strategic and technological partnerships. Modi spoke about expanding cooperation in various sectors, including civil nuclear energy and space exploration, signaling a broadening of the bilateral agenda beyond defence.
The visit was framed by Israeli officials as a testament to the strong and growing friendship between the two nations. Netanyahu described Modi not merely as a friend but as a “brother,” reflecting the warmth of the diplomatic ties. However, the trip also attracted criticism within India. Priyanka Gandhi, a senior leader of the Indian National Congress, publicly expressed her hope that Modi would address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, referencing the deaths of thousands of civilians. While Modi did not explicitly mention these casualties in his address to the Israeli parliament, he reiterated India’s support for all efforts aimed at fostering lasting peace and regional stability.
Overall, Pakistan’s response to the evolving Israel-India defence partnership underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics in South Asia and the Middle East. Islamabad’s vigilance and preparedness highlight the ongoing security challenges that arise from shifting alliances and military collaborations in the region.
