Development in Indo-Israel Defence Relations Since 9/11: Pakistan’s Security Concern and Policy Options

In the post 9/11 scenario, bilateral relations between India and Israel in general, and, their defense relations in particular, have strengthened tremendously. The most striking commonality is their perception of Pakistan as their common enemy and a main obstacle, impeding the realization of their ambitions. India needs the friendship and cooperation of Israel in maintaining qualitative and quantitative superiority of defence capabilities over its enemy, Pakistan. For India, friendship of Israel would make her more powerful and strong to play an effective and significant role in the South Asia, Central Asia, and West Asia with a sole object to undermine the rising influence of Pakistan in these regions. Israel is primarily interested in a meaningful and constructive relations with India not because of its huge market for Israel’s defense industry, but to suppress Pakistan’s strong commitment to help the Middle Eastern states against Tel Aviv. It apprehends that Pakistan’s nuclear program can be a source of strength for the Arab world, and Iran (Israel’s worse and bitter adversaries).The emerging Delhi-Jerusalem- defence collaboration poses major challenges to the security and territorial integrity of Pakistan. Such relationship has the potential to make a significant impact on global politics by altering the balance of power, not only in South Asia but also in the entire Asian continent.