- India and Israel have taken another significant step toward expanding their strategic technology partnership with the launch of DRISHTI (Dual-use Robust India-Israel High-Tech Innovation) 2.0, a new initiative aimed at accelerating collaboration in deep-tech, defence innovation, and dual-use technologies.
- The programme has been launched by the Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) through its Directorate of Defense Research & Development (DDR&D) in collaboration with T-Hub, Hyderabad-based innovation ecosystem and one of the world’s leading startup accelerators.
- The initiative reflects the growing strategic relationship between the two countries following the elevation of bilateral ties to a Special Strategic Partnership for Peace, Innovation & Prosperity in early 2026.
Key Highlights
- India and Israel launch DRISHTI 2.0.
- Focus on deep-tech, defence, and dual-use technologies.
- Joint initiative of Israel’s DDR&D and T-Hub Hyderabad.
- Supports Israeli companies entering the Indian market.
- Introduces DRISHTI VIP for mature technology companies.
- Aims to strengthen innovation, defence exports, and industrial partnerships.
What is DRISHTI 2.0?
- DRISHTI stands for: Dual-use Robust India-Israel High-Tech Innovation
- It is a bilateral innovation programme designed to promote collaboration between Indian and Israeli companies working in advanced technologies with both civilian and defence applications.
- The second phase, DRISHTI 2.0, expands the original programme by creating faster pathways for technology transfer, startup partnerships, and commercialization of advanced defence technologies.
Objectives of DRISHTI 2.0
The initiative seeks to achieve several strategic goals.
Accelerate Defence Innovation
Promote joint research and development in next-generation defence technologies.
Boost Deep-Tech Collaboration
Encourage cooperation in AI, robotics, cybersecurity, autonomous systems, advanced electronics, and other frontier technologies.
Support Dual-Use Technologies
Develop innovations that have applications in both civilian industries and defence sectors.
Expand Market Access
Help Israeli technology companies collaborate with Indian firms and enter India’s rapidly growing defence and technology ecosystem.
Promote Startup Ecosystems
Strengthen cooperation between startups, industries, research institutions, and defence agencies.
What is DRISHTI VIP?
A major addition under the new phase is DRISHTI VIP.
This dedicated programme targets:
- Mature technology companies.
- Market-ready innovations.
- Companies seeking commercial expansion in India.
The initiative will culminate in a dedicated roadshow in India, enabling participating firms to engage with investors, industry leaders, defence organisations, and potential business partners.
Role of T-Hub
Hyderabad-based T-Hub serves as the Indian innovation partner for DRISHTI 2.0.
T-Hub is widely recognised for supporting startups through:
- Innovation acceleration
- Technology incubation
- Industry partnerships
- Global market access
- Corporate innovation programmes
Its participation strengthens India’s position as a major destination for global deep-tech innovation.
Why India Matters for Israel
According to the Israel Ministry of Defense, India remains one of its most strategically important long-term markets.
India offers:
- One of the world’s largest defence procurement markets.
- A rapidly expanding startup ecosystem.
- Strong government support for innovation.
- Increasing investments in indigenous defence manufacturing.
- Growing emphasis on AI and advanced technologies.
These factors make India an ideal partner for collaborative defence innovation.
Why DRISHTI 2.0 is Important
The programme goes beyond traditional defence cooperation by building long-term innovation ecosystems.
Its significance includes:
- Accelerating defence modernisation.
- Encouraging joint R&D.
- Promoting advanced manufacturing.
- Strengthening startup ecosystems.
- Expanding bilateral trade.
- Supporting strategic technology development.
- Enhancing defence exports.
It also aligns with India’s vision of becoming a global hub for high-technology manufacturing and innovation.
Future Outlook
- With defence technologies increasingly driven by artificial intelligence, autonomous platforms, cybersecurity, quantum technologies, and advanced electronics, initiatives like DRISHTI 2.0 are expected to deepen long-term cooperation between India and Israel.
- The launch of DRISHTI VIP and future industry roadshows could pave the way for new investments, technology partnerships, and commercial opportunities across both countries.
Conclusion
- The launch of DRISHTI 2.0 marks another milestone in the growing India-Israel strategic partnership.
- By bringing together defence agencies, startups, research institutions, and technology companies, the initiative seeks to accelerate innovation in deep-tech and dual-use technologies while creating new commercial and defence opportunities.
- As India continues to strengthen its indigenous defence ecosystem, DRISHTI 2.0 is expected to play a key role in advancing collaborative innovation and reinforcing bilateral technological ties.