NB EXCLUSIVE | Israeli delegation interacts with Indian defence manufacturers at MCCIA's meet up

Pune, Jul 20: Israeli delegation communicated with Indian defence manufacturers during an interactive session that the Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture (MCCIA) had hosted at its Pune office on Wednesday (Jul 19).

The Israeli delegation was represented by Kobbi Shoshani, Consul General of Israel to Midwest India, Gil Elmalem, DDR&D Attache (MAFAT) Embassy of Israel in New Delhi, Noam Haibi, Regional Director, SIBAT, Israel's Minsitry of Defence and Fred Shemla, Vice President, Business Development, Israel Aerospace India (IAI).

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During the interaction, when asked that why is Israel particularly seeking for defence manufacturing partners from India Kobbi Shoshani shared that the policy of 'I + I' plays a significant role in the international policy of the two countries. The two I's stand for israel and India respectively. Shoshani said, "'I + I' is a more impactful formula globally on varied aspects than a single 'I'. The two I's are important for a comprehensive vision." The diplomat remarked about the similarities between the two countries.

While addressing the manufacturers, Gil Elmalem noted that Israel is presently focusing more on manufacturing dual use of products. These products are the ones that are strategically important for the Israeli Armed forces and military but they can also be utilized by laymen on mass level. He also remarked that apart from Israel, the ratio of companies investing in healthcare to that in defence is greater, which is an important fact. He also affirmed that Israel is looking forward for collaborations with Indian partners in the area of quantum research.

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IAI Vice President Fred Shemla assured that Israel is seeking more and more support of MSMEs from India as according to the new terms of defence collaboration with international players, 50-60% indigenous content in defence production is an important requirement proposed by the Narendra Modi-led government of India. The Israeli company stated that it is open or collaboration with Indian manufacturers in the area of Avionics cooperation. He also thanked PM Modi for easing the process o such collaboration, where unlike earlier the foreign manufacturers can directly interact with their Indian business contacts.