India’s covert arms shipments to Israel raise concerns

Investigations have uncovered a covert operation involving India’s shipment of arms to Israel, raising significant questions about the transparency of these transfers

 Muslim Network TV Desk

NEW DELHI, India (MNTV) – Documents and recent incidents have revealed that India is exporting arms to Israel amidst ongoing war in Gaza, despite its traditional advocacy for diplomatic resolutions over military action.

Recent investigations by Al Jazeera have uncovered a covert operation involving India’s shipment of arms to Israel, raising significant questions about the transparency of these transfers.

Amidst Israel’s ongoing assault in Gaza, these actions seem to contradict India’s long-standing policy favoring dialogue over military interventions.

In May, the cargo vessel Borkum, which had departed from Chennai, India, altered its course to the Slovenian port of Koper instead of its scheduled stop in Spain, following protests and political pressure.

Reports have disclosed that the ship was laden with military cargo, including rocket engines and munitions, destined for Israel’s port of Ashdod, merely 30 kilometers from the conflict-ridden Gaza Strip.

Leftist members of the European Parliament sent a letter to Spanish President Pedro Sánchez requesting that the ship be prevented from docking.

“Allowing a ship loaded with weapons destined for Israel is to allow the transit of arms to a country currently under investigation for genocide against the Palestinian people,” the group of nine members warned.

The vessel’s journey was meticulously planned to circumnavigate Africa, avoiding the Red Sea and potential threats from Yemen’s Houthis, who have been active due to Israel’s military actions.

Confidential documents cited by Al Jazeera have revealed that the Borkum carried substantial quantities of explosives and rocket components, all tagged with confidentiality clauses to obscure their origins and destination linked to Israeli defense firm Elbit Systems.

The identification codes specified in the documentation, obtained unofficially by the Solidarity Network Against the Palestinian Occupation (RESCOP), suggest the Borkum contained 20 tonnes of rocket engines, 12.5 tonnes of rockets with explosive charges, 1,500kg (3,300 pounds) of explosive substances and 740kg (1,630 pounds) of charges and propellants for cannons.

Simultaneously, another ship, Marianne Danica, faced entry denial at the Spanish port of Cartagena for carrying 27 tonnes of explosives from India to Israel’s port of Haifa. This incident further underscores the secretive nature of India’s military exports to Israel.

Adding to the controversy, a video released by the Quds News Network showed remnants of a missile used in Gaza with labels indicating Indian manufacture, suggesting that Indian-made weapons are actively being used in the conflict.

Moreover, India’s engagement is not limited to traditional weaponry.

The Adani Elbit UAV Complex in Hyderabad, a collaboration between Adani Defense & Aerospace and Israel’s Elbit Systems, has been producing drones like the Hermes 900, which are purportedly for surveillance purposes.

However, the usage of these drones in combat scenarios, particularly in Gaza, remains highly contentious.

Despite official statements emphasizing non-combat purposes, there is evidence of India’s drones being used in Gaza for military purposes.

Former Israeli Ambassador to India, Daniel Carmon also indicated that India might be supporting Israel with military supplies.

This gesture is reportedly in recognition of Israel’s assistance to India during the 1999 Kargil War.