Israeli assistance during 1999 Kargil War helped cement alliance with India

Israeli military assistance during the 1999 Kargil War with Pakistan helped lay the foundation for the close defense partnership that now exists between Israel and India, according to two Israeli officials who spoke to India's NDTV last week.

The conflict, which erupted just seven years after the two countries established diplomatic relations, became a turning point in bilateral ties as Israel rushed advanced military technology and personnel to support India's war effort after Pakistani forces occupied strategic mountain positions on the Indian side of the disputed border.

"It was a phone call that did not come from New Delhi," former Rafael program manager Ami recalled. "It came from Tel Aviv."

"On Sunday morning people who didn't imagine on Friday that they would board an aircraft were already on their way to India with boxes, tools and test equipment," Ami explained. "Everyone supported this effort. Nobody asked questions. We have a friend in need."

The officials said the defense relationship had begun even earlier, in 1996, when Israeli defense company Rafael started integrating its Litening targeting pod into the Indian Air Force's French-built Mirage 2000 fighter jets.

The Israeli-made system enabled Indian pilots to laser designate targets for precision-guided bombs, significantly improving the aircraft's strike capabilities.

"We came with an Israeli pod, the Litening, and we integrated it into the Mirage 2000. This French aircraft speaks French. The laser-guided bombs are American; they speak English. Our pods speak Hebrew," former Israeli Air Force pilot Shlomo recalled.

He said engineers spent weeks solving technical challenges before the system was ready for combat.

According to Shlomo, the technology dramatically improved the Indian Air Force's precision against Pakistani positions.

"Before that, without the targeting pod, I would say that if you hit the target within 20 or 30 meters, it made noise, but not more than that,” he recalled.

"With laser-guided bombs, you can hit within two or three meters from the target. It is a world changer. It is the game changer," the former Israeli official added.

The officials also credited Indian Air Force personnel with pushing the technology beyond what its Israeli developers had envisioned.

Looking back, Ami said the wartime cooperation ultimately evolved into a lasting friendship between the two countries.

"This is friendship. This is profound friendship. This is something, I think, that goes way beyond the commercial aspects. It is a brotherhood. Very important to consider and know that whatever we did, we did not only for the commercial ties," he explained.

Israel has since become one of India's leading defense suppliers, exporting air defense systems, drones, missiles, intelligence technology, and electronic warfare systems. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have both strengthened the strategic partnership in recent years.

India has also emerged as one of Israel's strongest international supporters. Unlike China and Russia, India strongly condemned Hamas' Oct. 7 massacre of 1,200 Israelis and has consistently backed Israel's right to self-defense.

Addressing the Israeli Knesset in February, Modi expressed condolences to the victims of the attack and reaffirmed India's support for Israel.

“Honorable members, I also carry with me the deepest condolences of the people of India for every life lost and for every family whose world was shattered in the barbaric terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7,” Modi stated. “We feel your pain. We share your grief."

The Indian prime minister concluded by emphasizing that the Israeli-Indian partnership contributes to international security and prosperity.

“Our strong partnership not only serves national interests, but also contributes to global stability and prosperity. It does ensure that the friendship between India and Israel remains a source of strength in an uncertain world. Am Israel Chai. Jai Hind.”