The India link: Adani-linked firm supplies drones to Israeli attack on Gaza

Revealing the double standard of India's declared stance against the ongoing genocidal assault by Israel on Gaza, an Indian company with a controlling share held by the Adani Group has manufactured and exported over 20 military drones to the Israeli military, which are being used in the attack on Gaza, according to a report published by The Wire.

A Hyderabad-based joint venture with a controlling stake held by the Adani Group has reportedly manufactured the drones, identified as Hermes 900 medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) UAVs, similar to those being extensively used by the Israeli Defence Forces in their military campaign in Gaza.

The sale of these drones, not publicly acknowledged by either Tel Aviv or New Delhi, contradicts the Modi government's official position, which has been advocating for an immediate cease-fire in the region, The Wire report suggested.

The drones supplied by Adani-Elbit Advanced Systems India Ltd are allegedly being used in attacks on densely populated urban areas in Gaza, adding a layer of controversy to the involvement of an Indian conglomerate in such a sensitive geopolitical situation.

The Adani Group's connection to this matter goes back to 2018 when Israel's Elbit Systems entered into a joint venture with Adani Defence and Aerospace, holding a 49% share. The joint venture established a $15-million facility in Hyderabad, marking the first time UAVs were manufactured outside of Israel. Adani's involvement in the supply chain has been confirmed off the record by sources within the company.

While the Israeli defence firm, Elbit Systems, has acknowledged collaborating with Adani, it refused to comment on specific contracts or disclose the details of suppliers and the content they provide. The UAVs, according to reports, were delivered with fully assembled carbon composite aerostructures produced at Adani's Hyderabad facility.

This revelation comes at a time when the International Court of Justice is reportedly examining genocide charges against Israel for its conduct in the Gaza conflict. Additionally, the Hague Court of Appeals in the Netherlands has ordered a halt to the export of F-35 fighter jet parts to Israel, citing a clear risk of violations of international law.

Critics argue that the sale of military drones to Israel, especially for use in densely populated areas, contradicts India's evolving stance on the conflict. After initially expressing unconditional solidarity with Israel following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, India has nuanced its position.

In October 2023, it abstained from a UN General Assembly resolution calling for a humanitarian pause but later voted in favour of an immediate ceasefire in Gaza in December.

The drones in question, particularly the Hermes 900, have been crucial for Israel in its military operations in Gaza, providing extended endurance exceeding 30 hours and essential surveillance capabilities.

Israel has faced mounting criticism, even from its allies, for the significant civilian casualties during the four-month conflict, with the death toll surpassing 28,000, predominantly comprising women and children, according to United Nations agencies.

India's External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, recently reiterated India's position at the NAM summit in Uganda, emphasizing the need for a sustainable solution that provides immediate relief to those most affected. He reaffirmed India's support for a two-state solution and condemned terrorism while expressing concern over the conflict's potential to spread within or beyond the region.