India’s Supreme Court rejected a petition aimed at halting military exports to “Israel”, which was filed by human rights activists and scholars concerned about India's potential role in the Israeli Occupation’s war crimes in Gaza.

In its ruling on Monday, the court stated it did not have jurisdiction to compel the Indian government to stop military exports, Middle East Eye (MEE) reported.

The court clarified that such matters fall under the Union Government's authority as per Article 162 of the Indian Constitution.

Additionally, the court noted that intervening could lead to breaches of contracts between Indian companies and international clients, potentially harming the financial stability of these businesses.

The petition, submitted by former bureaucrats, activists, and academics, argued that the ongoing arms sales to “Israel” violated India's international obligations and constitutional commitments to the right to life and equality.

The petitioners requested that the court order the cancellation of existing arms export licenses to “Israel” and the suspension of new licenses.

According to the 417-page petition, Indian companies involved in arms manufacturing and export had been granted licenses to supply weapons to “Israel” even during the ongoing aggression in Gaza. It was noted that three Indian companies were actively exporting arms to “Israel”.

India's defense relationship with “Israel” expanded significantly since Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office in 2014.

India is now the largest purchaser of “Israeli” weapons and a major co-producer of “Israeli” arms.

There is also increased collaboration between Indian and “Israeli” universities in technology, agriculture, and robotics.

Despite international calls for an arms embargo on “Israel” from countries such as Spain and Belgium, the Indian government has not supported these measures.

Recently, the UK suspended 30 arms export licenses to “Israel”, though some observers have deemed this action inadequate.

In June, former “Israeli” Ambassador to India Daniel Carmon suggested that India’s arms supply to “Israel” could be a gesture of gratitude for “Israeli” support during India's limited war with Pakistan in 1999.

The Supreme Court’s decision highlights the challenges at the intersection of international law, domestic jurisdiction, and geopolitical alliances shaping India’s arms export policies.