JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel says it is "surprised" by a decision by India's defense ministry to ban a leading Israeli weapons manufacturer from bidding on Indian defense contracts for the next decade.

India announced on Tuesday it was blacklisting Israel Military Industries Ltd. and five other firms from India, Switzerland, Russia and Singapore, over allegations of bribing an Indian official to win contracts.

The Indian defense ministry said it made the decision after giving the companies a chance to respond to the allegations.

A statement Wednesday by Israel's defense ministry says the Israeli weapons company has "very good claims" against the Indian allegations. The ministry says it would consult with the company about how to respond to the Indian ban.

India is a key market for Israeli defense companies.