India on Friday defended its export controls after an Amnesty International report alleged that military supplies from the country to Israel could be used in military operations in the Gaza Strip, with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) asserting that exports of dual-use items are governed by a robust legal and regulatory framework.
Addressing the issue during the weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India regulates exports of dual-use goods and technologies in line with domestic laws and its international commitments.
"India has a robust legal and regulatory framework on strategic trade controls and carries out its export of dual-use items and technologies to various countries in accordance with its national laws and consistent with its international obligations," Jaiswal said.
His remarks came in response to questions on an Amnesty International report that alleged India continued supplying arms to Israel despite the risk that such equipment could be used in Israel's military operations in Gaza.
India and Israel have significantly expanded their defence cooperation over the years, with ties broadening in both scale and scope.
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Israel earlier this year, the two countries agreed to explore a Tech Gateway mechanism to facilitate collaborative research and development, technology validation, pilot projects and joint technology development between their innovation ecosystems.
The two sides also agreed to deepen cooperation in artificial intelligence, recognising AI as a key driver of innovation. India and Israel are already linked through a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in artificial intelligence.
(With inputs from ANI)
