2. Sharon's Visit
Indian Express notes that Sharon's visit is in no way a radical foreign policy departure for India. The Times of India, however, contends that the invitation to Sharon shows that India "is no longer coy about its relationship with Israel, in fact, it seems to be flaunting it." The daily Hindu (India) argues that despite apparent parallels in a shared battle against terror, "the legitimacy of the Palestinian struggle for self-determination cannot be negated just because extremist elements within the movement frequently resort to repugnant methods."
"It's not about Sharon"
"Shalom Sharon"
"The wrong signal"
Talks between Israeli and Indian defense officials centered on import of aircraft mounted radars, co-production of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and installation of electronic warfare systems. India has assured Israel that it would not transfer any acquired military technology to a third country including Iran. The Israel Space Agency hopes to place its $15 million telescope onboard India's Geo Stationary Launch Vehicle satellite, scheduled to launch in late 2005.
"India, Israel discuss arms deals"
"Military know-how safe with us, India assures Israel"
"Israel eye in space on Indian shoulder"
In the 18-point joint declaration issued at the conclusion of Sharon's visit, Israel expressed its appreciation for "India's religious tolerance and secularism." Amit Baruah (Hindu, India) interviewed the Israeli Deputy Prime Minister, Yosef Lapid, who identified terrorism and threats from "fanatic Islam" as common to both India and Israel. During an interview with the Israeli daily Ha'aretz, PM Vajpayee, when asked to compare Israel's and India's efforts to combat terrorism, stated that the "circumstances under which we are tackling the menace of cross-border terrorism are different from those prevailing in the Middle-East."
"India, Israel call for decisive action against terrorism"
"India, Israel can keep watchful eye on fanatic Islam'"
"No movement towards establishing ties with Pak: Israel"
"No cause can justify violence: Vajpayee"
Jyoti Malhotra (Indian Express) writes about Arab world's reaction to Sharon's India visit. Praful Bidwai (Jang, Pakistan) argues that Pakistan does not need to establish relations with Israel to counterbalance India's military and diplomatic advantage over Pakistan. In the same paper, Burhanuddin Hasan maintains that Pakistan should evolve a strategy to protect its national interests and accept the geopolitical reality of the Indo-Israeli nexus.
"Ink barely dry on Israel story, Delhi calls Arab envoys for little edit"
"How not to deal with Israel"
"Tackling the Indo-Israel nexus"