Mapping India–Israel Cybersecurity Cooperation

Summary

The recent developments in India–Israel cybersecurity cooperation, reflected in the signing of multiple agreements and initiatives, highlight a growing recognition of the need to secure digital assets that are increasingly enmeshed with critical national infrastructure.

A wide range of substantive outcomes marked Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s February 2026 visit to Israel. India–Israel relations were elevated to a ‘Special Strategic Partnership for Peace, Innovation and Prosperity’, opening a new chapter in the bilateral partnership. Among the long list of agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), cybersecurity emerged as a key area of cooperation.[i] The leaders shared their commitment to develop a multi-year strategic programme to steer bilateral collaboration in the domain. The signing of the Declaration of Intent on cooperation in ‘Horizon Scanning’ also reflects a growing resolve to establish a joint mechanism to identify emerging global trends across multiple domains, including cybersecurity, and to develop strategic foresight for informed planning and decision-making.[ii]

Even though the cybersecurity partnership between India and Israel is not a new domain of collaboration, the recent move to expand cooperation marks a significant stride as both countries seek to deepen their ties to secure the cyber realm. Also noteworthy is that cooperation in the cyber realm predates the first formal MoU signed in 2018, with the private sector actively engaged. The brief examines the trajectory of India–Israel cybersecurity cooperation and explores the private sector’s role in deepening bilateral ties.

Cybersecurity Threatscape in India and Israel

Both India and Israel, as highly digitalised democracies, have faced significant challenges and threats in the cyber domain. Driven largely by geopolitical factors and the rising incidence of cybercrime, both countries have undertaken reforms in their cybersecurity framework.[iii] In India, cybersecurity governance in the civilian sphere remains fragmented, with multiple agencies handling different responsibilities, whereas Israel appears to follow a more unified approach to securing civilian infrastructure. Recent assessments indicate an exponential rise in geopolitically motivated cyberattacks targeting Israel, with the country accounting for 12.2 per cent of all such global incidents in the year 2025.[iv] On the other hand, India is identified as the second-most-targeted country for cyber scams globally, according to a report.[v]

The exponential surge in cyber incidents targeting Indian and Israeli critical infrastructure during periods of conflict underscores how cyber operations have become integral to modern warfare and military engagements.[vi] While both countries differ in their strengths, organisational capabilities, and the nature of the threats they face, the deepening of ties over the years reflects converging interests in the cyber domain, as well as a willingness to offset each other’s weaknesses and complement each other’s strengths.

Engagement at the Government Level

The first significant step towards building a bilateral technological partnership was taken in May 1993 with the signing of an agreement for cooperation in Science and Technology. This was followed in December 1996 with the signing of an ‘Agreement on Technical Cooperation’, aimed at promoting collaboration through the exchange of experts and the facilitation of academic and technical training opportunities.[vii] These agreements played a foundational role in paving the way for future technological partnerships, including cybersecurity cooperation.

Another milestone in cybersecurity cooperation occurred in February 2014, when cybercrime was identified as a potential area of cooperation in a bilateral agreement on homeland and public security issues. This was particularly notable, as cybercrime at the time was neither as widespread nor as technologically sophisticated as it has since become.[viii] The agreement also mentions cooperation on ‘counter terrorism technology’, which is not clearly defined but could include collaboration to address online radicalisation, propaganda, and other aspects of cyber terrorism.[ix] Deliberations on the utility of cybersecurity cooperation have also taken place under the India–Israel Joint Working Group (JWG) on Counter Terrorism, a mechanism designed to review conventional and emerging threats emanating from terrorist groups.[x]

The first dedicated cybersecurity cooperation was formalised through an MoU that focused on developing human resources through skill-building programmes and training, while also fostering business-to-business collaboration in the cybersecurity sector.[xi] Recognising the need to secure the increasing dependence on the digital environment while also acknowledging the merit in cooperation to mitigate malicious acts in cyberspace, an MoU was signed between the Israel National Cyber Directorate (INCD) and the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) in July 2020, to strengthen operational collaboration on cybersecurity.[xii] Fundamental to the bilateral understanding was the willingness to commit to exchanging information on cybersecurity, a key preliminary step towards deeper cooperation. The MoU also identifies areas of collaboration, such as the exchange of best practices on incident response and mitigation, as well as capacity building and knowledge sharing. Further, it outlines possibilities for joint security exercises and cooperation in research and development.

During Prime Minister Modi’s recent visit to Israel, the letter of intent (LOI) was signed between the National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC) and INCD to establish a mechanism to enhance collective cybersecurity capabilities. The signing ceremony also marked the announcement of the India–Israel Joint Centre of Excellence for Cyber Defence Research and Cooperation, aimed at leveraging the combined capabilities of both countries to enhance synergy and mutual benefit.[xiii] The Centre of Excellence (COE) would focus on developing human capabilities by furnishing training programmes that address ‘emerging technologies and diverse cybersecurity professions’.[xiv]

Interestingly, through the LOI, Israel also aims to showcase its innovation and ‘way of thinking’ to Indian partners.[xv] This was also reiterated by Yossi Karadi, Director General of the INCD, who noted that the synergy would bring together Israel’s cyber ecosystem and its capabilities with India’s vast and expanding market, robust national-scale digital infrastructure and broad pool of technological talent.[xvi] Furthermore, the COE would strengthen operational collaboration by conducting annual cybersecurity simulations and facilitating applied research cooperation among research institutes.

Clearly, the latest partnership signals a shift from earlier cybersecurity-focused MoUs, as both countries have now agreed to establish a joint institution with clear goals extending beyond information sharing and capacity building. The emphasis on applied research through COE reflects a push to develop practical, real-world solutions to emerging cybersecurity threats. The involvement of NCIIPC also underscores the importance of securing critical national infrastructure and integrating it into bilateral partnerships.

Establishing joint institutions such as COEs has proven successful in sectors like agriculture. COEs and related mechanisms can also help mitigate dependencies and enhance transparency, particularly in areas involving deep or privileged access to systems. Such dependencies can pose risks if access is misused for non-security purposes, including espionage or potential kill-switch scenarios. The proposed roadmap, which emphasises the integration of security-by-design principles and regular joint tabletop exercises, is therefore a significant step forward. COEs can also support horizon scanning to assess strategic risks arising from such dependencies, while enabling mechanisms such as source code reviews to build transparency and trust. This becomes especially crucial when Indian firms act as distributors of foreign cybersecurity solutions to domestic clients, including those managing critical infrastructure.

Table 1. Trajectory of India–Israel Cybersecurity Cooperation at the Government Level

Source: Prepared by the author based on media reports and government documents.

Private Sector

Even before the formalisation of cybersecurity cooperation at the government level, the private sectors in India and Israel were already proactively collaborating and investing.[xxiii] For instance, in 2016, Wipro Ltd, an Indian software services firm, invested US$ 1.5 million in the Israeli cybersecurity start-up Intsights Cyber Intelligence Ltd, and later exited the investment in 2021.[xxiv] In 2016, India’s Infosys invested US$ 4 million to acquire a stake in Israel-based cloud computing start-up Cloudyn Ltd.[xxv]

The thrust to enhance collaboration also came from Israel-based organisations, which were eyeing opportunities to work closely with premier Indian educational institutions such as the IITs and IIMs, and Indian companies like Reliance and the Tata Group.[xxvi] In 2022, ThinkCyber, a Tel-Aviv-based cybersecurity training company, made substantial investments in India to offer its proprietary tools and programmes to Indian students and corporates, helping them prepare to address emerging threats.[xxvii] Through ThinkCyber India programmes such as the Cyberium Arena simulator, learners are exposed to simulated real-world cyber attack and defence scenarios. In parallel, its Specto technology uses a honeypot approach to acquaint individuals and organisations with methods employed by malicious actors.[xxviii]

Table 2. India–Israel Cybersecurity Cooperation at the Private Sector Level*

Source: Prepared by the author.

Note: *The list is not exhaustive.

Alongside bilateral partnerships to develop human resources, Israeli companies with a global presence are also looking at India as a strategic market for talent and scope.[xxxvi] Check Point Software, Israel’s cybersecurity leader, announced plans to establish its R&D centre in Bengaluru, India, which will be instrumental in developing AI-driven threat detection and other next-generation cybersecurity products.[xxxvii] Other Israeli cybersecurity firms on the list, such as Cymulate and Coralogix, have also established a presence in India to tailor their products to emerging threats.[xxxviii]

Indian companies are also actively engaged in distributing cybersecurity products developed by Israeli firms. One such example is the partnership between Redington India Limited and Israel’s Check Point software, under which the Indian company serves as a distributor for Israeli cybersecurity solutions.[xxxix] The arrangement seeks to offer solutions to India’s small and medium enterprises, which remain vulnerable to the emerging threats. Table 2 illustrates private sector partnerships between the two countries, highlighting both the areas of cooperation and the depth of engagement. While Israeli firms primarily act as technology partners, providing specialised software, Indian companies act as Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) and system integrators.

Key institutional steps undertaken in the last few years have also strengthened private-sector collaboration. The establishment of I4F, which identifies a broad range of priority areas for cooperation, also includes Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). The modalities of cooperation under the I4F include issuing Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for collaborative technological projects, which are assessed by a governing body that determines the level of support for approved proposals and projects.[xl]

The India–Israel Business and CEO forums represent another important avenue, bringing together top business leaders, policymakers and industry stakeholders from both countries to explore new opportunities for technological cooperation.[xli] Platforms like these are essential for fostering defence and security partnerships, particularly in defence technology, cybersecurity and homeland security. Moreover, the Indian business delegation to Israel, led by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal in November 2025, comprising 60 members, also included a cybersecurity sector representative.

Conclusion

The recent developments in India–Israel cybersecurity cooperation, reflected in the signing of multiple agreements and initiatives, highlight a growing recognition of the need to secure digital assets that are increasingly enmeshed with critical national infrastructure. Since emerging as a key pillar of the partnership around 2017, cybersecurity cooperation has now entered a more mature stage, with both countries focusing on practical, implementable solutions rather than remaining confined to abstract frameworks.

Views expressed are of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Manohar Parrikar IDSA or of the Government of India.

[i] “India-Israel Joint Statement”, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, 26 February 2026.

[ii] “Declaration of Intent Between the Office of the Principal Scientific Advisor of the Republic of India and the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology of the State of Israel on Cooperation in the field of “Horizon Scanning’”, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, 26 February 2026.

[iii] Yonah Jeremy Bob, “Israel Moves Forward with Potential Game-changing Cyber Law”, The Jerusalem Post, 25 January 2026; Dhananjay Sharma, “India’s Steps Towards a Coordinated Approach to Cybersecurity”, Nasscom Community, 19 November 2024.

[iv] Sharon Wrobel, “Israel Ranks 1st Among Countries Targeted by Geopolitical Cyberattacks in 2025 — Report”, The Times of Israel, 19 February 2026.

[v] “India Emerges As Second Most Targeted Country For Global Cyberscams: Meta Report”, The 420, 17 March 2026.

[vi] Nazir Masoodi, “2 Lakh Cyber Attacks On India’s Power System During Op Sindoor: Minister”,  NDTV, 12 June 2025.

[vii] “Agreement on Technical Cooperation Between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the State of Israel”, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, 30 December 1996.

[viii] “Agreement Between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the State of Israel on Cooperation in Homeland and Public Security Issues”, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, 27 February 2014.

[ix] Ibid.

[x] “Joint Statement of the 10th Meeting of the India-Israel Joint Working Group (JWG) on Counter Terrorism (CT)”, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, 24 February 2026.

[xi] “List of MoUs/Agreements Signed During the Visit of Prime Minister of Israel to India (January 15, 2018)”, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, 15 January 2018.

[xii] “MOU Between India and Israel Concerning Operational Collaboration on Cyber Security”, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, 15 July 2020.

[xiii] “Israel and India Announce Joint Center of Excellence for Cyber Defense”, Israel National Cyber Directorate (INCD), 26 February 2026.

[xiv] “Letter of Intent (LOI) Between National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC), Government of India and Israel National Cyber Directorate”, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, 26 February 2026.

[xv] Ibid.

[xvi] “Israel and India Announce Joint Center of Excellence for Cyber Defense”, Government of Israel, 26 February 2026.

[xvii] “International Relations – India – The Ministry of Science and Technology”, Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Government of Israel, 14 June 2021.

[xviii] “Joint Working Group Against Terrorism”, Press Information Bureau, Government of India, 18 August 2004.

[xix] Ely Karmon, “India’s Counterterrorism Cooperation with Israel”, Perspective on Terrorism, Vol. 16, No. 2, pp. 14–23.

[xx] Aditya Raj Kaul, “Indian delegation led by Joint Secretary (CD) of Ministry of External…”, X (formerly Twitter), 27 March 2025.

[xxi] “List of Outcomes: Visit of PM to Israel”, PM India, 26 February 2026.

[xxii] “Memorandum of Understanding Between the IndiaAI and the National Artificial Intelligence Directorate within the Prime Minister’s Office of the State of Israel on Cooperation in the field of Artificial Intelligence”, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, 26 February 2026.

[xxiii] Divyanshu Jindal and Mohammed Soliman, “Understanding the Growing Indo-Israeli Strategic Cyber Partnership”, Middle East Institute, 6 July 2023.

[xxiv] Binu Paul, “Wipro Exits Israeli Cybersecurity Startup Intsights at 4.5X Returns”, Techcircle, 20 July 2021.

[xxv] Anirban Sen, “Infosys Invests $4 million in Israeli Firm Cloudyn”, The Economic Times, 3 August 2016.

[xxvi] Karan Choudhury, “Cyber Security: Israel Wants Joint Ecosystem with India”, Business Standard, 6 January 2016.

[xxvii] “Israel-based ThinkCyber to Invest $10 mn in India for Cybersecurity Training”, Techcircle, 31 July 2022.

[xxviii] “Cyberium Arena Simulator”, ThinkCyber India.

[xxix] “Find a Check Point Partner”, Check Point.

[xxx] “Find a Partner”, Radware.

[xxxi] “Savex Technologies Collaborates with Cato Networks to Deliver SASE in India”, Express Computer, 7 March 2025.

[xxxii] “The Cyber Trifecta”, Entrepreneur, 14 February 2023.

[xxxiii] “L&T Technology Services Expands Presence in Israel”, Business Standard, 14 November 2017.

[xxxiv] “TCS to Power Israel’s First Fully Digital Bank”, The Hindu, 22 April 2020; Shoshanna Solomon, “Israel’s Digital Bank Sees Start in mid-2021, Signs Deal with India’s TATA Group”, The Times of Israel, 26 January 2020.

[xxxv] James Spiro, “Meet the Digital Guarantee Network, a New Blockchain Backed by Microsoft, Bank Hapoalim and TCS”, CTech, 7 December 2020.

[xxxvi] Mini Tejaswi, “Cybersecurity Provider Check Point Ramps Up India Presence”, The Hindu, 28 May 2024.

[xxxvii] “Check Point Software Announces Plans to Expand Global R&D Footprint with First Asia-Pacific Research & Development Centre in Bengaluru”, Check Point, 18 February 2025.

[xxxviii] Ayushman Baruah, “Israel-based Coralogix Launches Cyber Security Venture in India”, Mint, 16 March 2022; “Israel-based Cymulate Expands Operations, Enhancing Technology Relations with India”, Express Computer, 19 October 2022.

[xxxix] “Redington Partners and Check Point Software Technologies to Bring Cybersecurity Solutions to SMBs in India”, The Economic Times, 15 February 2022.

[xl] “MoU Between India and Israel on India-Israel Industrial R&D and Technological Innovation Fund”, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, 5 July 2017.

[xli] “India-Israel Business & CEO Forums to Strengthen Bilateral Economic Ties”, Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, 10 February 2025.

Rohit Kumar Sharma

Research Analyst

Rohit Kumar Sharma is a Research Analyst, at the Manohar...

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