New Delhi, Feb. 25 -- Defence stocks in India rallied by up to 5% on Wednesday, tracking gains in the broader Indian stock market today. The Nifty India Defence index rose as much as 1.2%, supported by strong buying interest across key constituents.

Astra Microwave Products share price emerged as the top gainer, surging 5.7%, followed by Mishra Dhatu Nigam, Bharat Forge, BEML and Bharat Electronics (BEL) shares, which rose between 2% and 3% each during the session.

The rally in defence stocks coincided with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Israel, a development that has drawn global attention following a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.

Prime Minister Modi departed for Israel on a two-day state visit on February 25....