New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has rejected an Amnesty International report alleging that Indian-made weapons and military components supplied to Israel were used in the conflict in Gaza, calling the claims misleading and reiterating that India’s strategic exports are governed by a strict legal and regulatory framework.
MEA Defends India’s Export Control Framework
Responding to the report, the MEA said India has a “robust legal and regulatory framework on strategic trade controls.”
The ministry added that exports of strategic and dual-use items are carried out strictly in accordance with India’s national laws and regulations and are consistent with the country’s international obligations and commitments.
Amnesty’s Allegations
Amnesty International has alleged that Indian state-owned and private companies exported arms, ammunition and military components to Israel that could have been used during military operations in Gaza. The organisation has urged countries to halt arms transfers to Israel, arguing that such exports risk contributing to violations of international humanitarian law.
India Reiterates Compliance with International Norms
The MEA stressed that India’s export control system is based on a comprehensive licensing mechanism and is aligned with international non-proliferation and strategic trade control regimes.
Officials said all exports of dual-use and strategic items undergo scrutiny under India’s established legal framework before approval.
Strategic Trade Under Strict Oversight
India is a member of key international export control regimes, including the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), the Wassenaar Arrangement, and the Australia Group. The government maintains that these commitments ensure India’s strategic exports remain transparent and compliant with international norms.
Matter Draws International Attention
The Amnesty report has sparked debate over global arms transfers to Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. While Amnesty has called for restrictions on military exports, the Indian government has maintained that its export decisions are governed by domestic law and international obligations, and has rejected allegations that India has acted outside its regulatory framework.