Why in the News?
An Amnesty International report titled “Made in India” alleged that India exported over 2,500 shipments of small arms, ammunition and components to Israel between October 2023 and November 2025, raising concerns over compliance with international humanitarian law.
Key Findings
- Over 2,500 shipments of arms and ammunition-related items were exported.
- At least 788 shipments were identified as having military purposes.
- Exports reportedly included machine gun components, artillery shells and explosive warheads.
- The report relies on shipment-level trade data rather than aggregate trade statistics.
Why is it Significant?
- Raises concerns regarding India’s defence exports amid the Gaza conflict.
- Brings attention to issues of international humanitarian law (IHL) and arms transfers.
- Highlights the growing India-Israel defence partnership.
Challenges
- Balancing strategic defence cooperation with international legal obligations.
- Ensuring transparency and oversight of defence exports.
- Reputational risks arising from allegations of complicity in conflict-related violations.
Amnesty International
- Established in 1961.
- Headquarters: London, United Kingdom.
- Global human rights organisation that investigates and campaigns against human rights violations.
- Publishes the annual State of the World’s Human Rights report.
International Humanitarian Law (IHL)
- Also known as the Law of Armed Conflict.
- Regulates the conduct of armed conflicts.
- Primarily based on the Geneva Conventions (1949) and their Additional Protocols.
- Protects civilians, prisoners of war and the wounded during armed conflict.
India-Israel Defence Cooperation
- Israel is among India’s major defence suppliers.
- Cooperation includes: Missiles (Barak-8), UAVs (Heron), Radar systems, Electronic warfare equipment, and Small arms and ammunition
Geneva Conventions (1949)
- Four international treaties governing humanitarian protection during war.
- India is a State Party to all four Geneva Conventions.
United Nations Commission of Inquiry (COI)
- Independent fact-finding mechanism established by the UN Human Rights Council.
- Investigates alleged violations of international human rights and humanitarian law.
[2015] Amnesty International is
(a) an agency of the United Nations to help refugees of civil wars
(b) a global Human Rights Movement
(c) a non-governmental voluntary organization to help very poor people
(d) an inter-governmental agency to cater to medical emergencies in war-ravaged regions.