The potential alliance between Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia is emerging as a major geopolitical development following reports that Ankara is in advanced negotiations to join the Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement (SMDA). This agreement, originally signed by Saudi Arabia and Pakistan in September 2025, treats any attack against one member as an attack against all, essentially mirroring Article 5 of the NATO charter.
If realized, this tripartite bloc would combine the vast financial resources of Saudi Arabia, the nuclear arsenal and large standing army of Pakistan, and the geopolitical weight of Turkey, which remains the second-largest military contributor to NATO. The vision of a potential "Islamic NATO" stems from shifting policies in Washington, shared concerns regarding Iran, and converging interests across South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Such a completed alliance could pose severe challenges—and even direct threats—to countries including India, Israel, Armenia, and Cyprus.
Strong India–Israel relations
India has not recognized Somaliland as an independent state, a position it reaffirmed by strongly supporting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia following Israel's recognition of Somaliland. This stance aligns with India’s long-standing commitment to a two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which it continues to support through UN votes and diplomatic statements. Simultaneously, India maintains close strategic and economic ties with Iran, a key adversary of Israel.
Despite these differences on regional issues, India and Israel enjoy an exceptionally strong military partnership, characterized by extensive cooperation in technology, arms procurement, and counter-terrorism. India's Defense Acquisition Council recently approved an $8.7 billion arms program, which includes the procurement of 1,000 SPICE missiles from Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. India stands as Israel's largest defense export customer, accounting for 34% of the country's total exports between 2020 and 2024.
The India–Israel relationship in the aerospace sector is robust and constantly strengthening, with an emphasis on the co-development and co-production of advanced defense systems, primarily drones (UAVs), missile systems like the Barak-8/MRSAM, and radar technology. This cooperation aligns with the "Make in India" and "Atmanirbhar Bharat" initiatives, establishing Israel as a top-tier defense supplier and enhancing Indian domestic capabilities through significant technology transfer.
Key areas of cooperation include the joint development of the Barak-8 MRSAM (Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile) for land and naval forces, one of the most successful joint programs to date. India utilizes Israeli drones such as the Heron and Searcher and is upgrading them through Project Cheetah in collaboration with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), featuring technology transfer for domestic production.
Cooperation also extends to advanced radar systems, such as the Phalcon AWACS and the EL/M-2052 AESA radar for the LCA, as well as strategic electronic systems including jammers. IAI is working with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to convert civil aircraft into Multi-Mission Tanker Transports (MMTT). Additionally, IAI has established a subsidiary in India (ASI), while Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) formed a joint venture with IAI to support the life cycle of MRSAM systems.
Israel's strong support during times of conflict, such as the Kargil War, further solidified bilateral ties. A Joint Working Group (JWG) oversees and directs the expansion of this cooperation under a ten-year roadmap. Israel has clearly positioned itself as a reliable defense partner for India. International surveys show that Israelis hold a particularly positive view of Indians. In India, there is a strong pro-Israel sentiment, with Israel being viewed as an "all-weather ally." Official defense relations began in 1996 and have strengthened steadily since.
A significant boost occurred during the first NDA administration, and in recent years, the relationship between Prime Ministers Modi and Netanyahu has been marked by clear political chemistry and a desire for further deepening. Israel understands India's desire for strategic autonomy through initiatives like "Make in India." Unlike the US and Russia, Israel appears more willing to transfer cutting-edge technology.
Israel: A significant aerospace power
Constant warfare and severe external threats forced Israel to develop a powerful military-industrial complex. Despite its small size—roughly the size of Haryana—and a population of 9.5–10 million, it possesses a highly developed aerospace sector. State-owned defense companies include IAI and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, while the private sector features Elbit Systems and Taldrin Group, all producing a wide range of conventional weapons and advanced electronic defense systems.
IAI employs approximately 15,000 workers, recorded record sales of $6.1 billion in 2024, and ranks 31st globally among the 100 largest arms manufacturers. It designs, develops, and maintains civil aircraft, UAVs, fighters, missiles, avionics, and space systems. Key products include the Arrow, Barak, Iron Dome, the Heron drone family, radars, and satellites. Many of these systems were developed for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) but are exported internationally.
Israel is the only country in the world with a fully operational theater anti-ballistic missile defense system, based on the American-supported Arrow system. IAI's subsidiary, Elta, provides the Green Pine early warning radar and produces radars and aerial jammers for Indian aircraft. Tadiran (an Elbit subsidiary) manufactures command and control centers. Rafael and IAI cooperate closely; Rafael produces systems like the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, Iron Beam Laser, and Spike missiles, which are used by many countries, including NATO states.
The Iron Dome is an all-weather mobile air defense system with a range of 70 kilometers and played a critical role in operations such as "Operation Protective Edge" and "Operation Swords of Iron." The system achieved a 90% success rate against Hamas rockets.
Arms sales and operational lessons
Israel ranks 8th globally in arms exports (2020–2024). India, the world's second-largest importer, has drastically reduced its dependence on Russia and turned to Western suppliers, with Israel covering nearly 15% of its defense imports. The Israel Air Force has conducted historic operations, such as Entebbe (1976), Osirak (1981), and recent strikes in Syria and Iran, based on precise intelligence and thorough preparation.
As the Turkey–Pakistan axis strengthens, the India–Israel strategic partnership becomes a vital counterweight. The relationship is evolving from a simple buyer-seller dynamic into a deep strategic partnership, with a focus on co-production, artificial intelligence, cyber defense, and drones. For India, Israel remains a defense supplier "without political strings." For Israel, India is a key strategic partner in a world where geopolitical balances are rapidly being reshaped.
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