India supplies arms to Israel 'to reciprocate': reports

India has reportedly exported arms and military equipment to Israel amid the ongoing war in Gaza.

Documents leaked seen by Al Jazeera revealed that a cargo ship which had stopped off the coast of Spain contained more than 30 tons of rockets and explosives for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF)

The ship is believed to have left southeastern India and was heading to the port of Ashdod, about 30 kilometres (18 miles) from the war-torn Gaza Strip.

He also toured Africa to avoid persistent Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.

According to the Middle East media outlet, a paragraph in the classified documents specified that anyone involved in the expedition should “under no circumstances” name Israel or IMI Systems, a subsidiary of Elbit Systems.

The export of weapons to Jerusalem as part of the Gaza war has sparked controversy amid growing fears that the Israeli military is using them in violation of international law.

More than 37,000 people are said to have been kill in the Palestinian territory due to Israel's relentless ground and air campaign in response to the Hamas attack on October 7.

I saw it coming

When the cargo ship stopped off the coast of Spain, protesters at a nearby port waved Palestinian flags because they suspected it was carrying weapons destined for Israel.

They also called on authorities to inspect the ship.

Additionally, a group of left-wing politicians sent the Spanish president Pedro Sanchez a letter requesting that the ship be prevented from docking.

“Allowing a ship loaded with weapons to Israel is authorizing the transit of weapons to a country currently under investigation for genocide against the Palestinian people,” they said.

The ship's manager denied that the ship was carrying any cargo destined for Israel.

A separate report also accused India of shipping advanced Hermes 900 drones and other weapons to Israel.

“Out of gratitude”

Former Israeli Ambassador to India Daniel Carmon said New Delhi's decision to send weapons to Jerusalem may just be a way to “return the favor.”

He explained that Israel had also provided India with military supplies and equipment during its war with Pakistan in 1999.

“Indians always remind us that Israel was there for them during the Kargil War,” he said. said. “Israel was one of the few countries that supported them and provided them with weapons. »