India - Israel News & Discussion

[Sanket]

Mods. Creating a Separate Topic for India-Israel News. From Now on will post all the India-Israel News here.

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India and Israel to enhance scientific cooperation (http://beta.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/article267856.ece)


IMAGE (http://beta.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00071/IN23_PRITHIVARAJ_71625f.jpg)

Jerusalem, March 23, 2010


India and Israel have decided to tighten ongoing scientific cooperation with special emphasis on research in the field of renewable energy and computer sciences.

“We have outlined several areas of cooperation but will be mainly focussing in the area of renewable energy and computer sciences in the coming years where we see tremendous potential for both the countries”, India’s Minister for Science and Technology, Prithviraj Chavan, who is on a three day visit to Israel told PTI.

The one million USDs joint R&D fund set up by the two countries will be inviting proposals for research in these areas, Mr. Chavan said.

The joint industrial R&D fund between India and Israel to encourage new investors and joint industrial ventures was set up during Mr. Chavan’s predecessor, Kapil Sibal’s term and is now in its third edition where in both the countries contribute half a million USDs each.

The Indian Minister met his Israeli counterpart, Daniel Hershkowitz, here yesterday and the two outlined cooperation in the areas of nanotechnology, biotechnology, water management, non-conventional energy, mathematics and computer sciences as five priority areas of “common interest” for enhanced collaboration.

Hershkowitz being a renowned Professor of Mathematics, Mr. Chavan also proposed setting up a joint institution in India where regular exchanges could take place between mathematicians from both sides in a collaboration that would also not be much demanding financially.

Mr. Chavan also called upon Israeli President Shimon Peres who applauded India’s steadfastness to democratic principles while still maintaining very high rate of economic growth.

The minister visited the famous Technion Institute yesterday and will be holding meetings at the Weizmann Institute of Sciences today where more than 40 Indian scientists are working in what is the single largest community of scientists from abroad.

“The leading Israeli institutions have shown a keen interest in working with our IITs on exchange and collaboration of research, faculty and students. I think this will be an important step in enhancing scientific cooperation between the two countries”, Mr. Chavan said.

He also visited Na’anDan Irrigation systems and a desalination plant to explore possible cooperation in the field of water management.

Agriculture conglomerate, Jain Irrigation Systems, bought 50.01 per cent of Na’anDan Irrigation Systems for 21.5 million USD in June 2007 in what is the largest investment by an Indian company in Israel.

Mr. Chavan said that Indian farmers from dry areas of India like Rajasthan could visit Israel to learn agricultural techniques and water management.

[Mil]

As long as Wipro does not come to Israel - I am fine :)

[Sanket]

As long as Wipro does not come to Israel - I am fine :)

Is it because the owner is the second richest Muslim in the world ? :)

[Mil]

No - it's because I don't like them. A bunch of slackers. :)

[Mediocrates]

I agree.

[Sanket]

ICL Fertilizers Signs Largest-Ever Potash Contract With Customer in India: (http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/icl-fertilizers-signs-largest-ever-potash-contract-with-customer-in-india-to-supply-1m-tons-over-the-next-12-months-88375432.html)
To Supply 1M Tons Over the Next 12 Months


TEL-AVIV, Israel, March 18, 2010 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- ICL (TASE:ICL), a multinational fertilizer and specialty chemicals company, today announced that ICL Fertilizers has signed an extension agreement to supply one million tons of potash to its primary customer in India. This is the largest single supply agreement that the Company has ever signed, and represents nearly double the quantity specified in its previous contract with this customer. This is a larger quantity than other potash suppliers active in India have secured in their recently signed contracts.

Under the terms of the agreement, ICL Fertilizers will supply one million tons of potash for a 12-month period beginning in April 2010, compared to 575 thousand tons in the previous contact, at a price of $370 per ton. The contract is firm regarding quantities and prices.

Israel Chemicals Ltd. has signed a $370 million contract with India

[Sanket]

India to get second AWACS on Thursday (http://www.ptinews.com/news/577945_India-to-get-second-AWACS-on-Thursday)


New Delhi, Mar 23 (PTI) India will receive another Israeli-made Phalcon Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AWACS) on Thursday, giving it the second 'eye in the sky' for enhanced surveillance that would virtually cover the entire nation.

The second AWACS will arrive in Jamnagar in Gujarat and will be deployed in Agra, IAF officials said here today.

With the arrival of the second AWACS, officials said the IAF can keep an eye on both the eastern and western front at the same time.

"After the induction of the third system, we would be able to virtually cover the whole nation at one go," they added.

[Sanket]

[March 24, 2010]

Electronics co Aryt progresses in India Army bid: (http://ow.ly/16SCBM) The tender is the largest of three in which Aryt is competing. [Globes, Tel Aviv, Israel]


(Globes (Tel Aviv) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Mar. 24--Military electronics and electro-optical equipment manufacturer Aryt Industries Ltd. (TASE: ARYT) and its Indian partner Bharat Electronics Ltd. (BSE: 500049) have passed to the next stage of a large tender for the supply of electronic artillery fuses to the Indian Army.

Bharat has been asked to supply electronic fuses for 105-mm artillery for a firing test by the Indian Army. The tender for the supply of 600,000 electronic fuses for 105-mm artillery is the largest of three tenders for the supply of one million electronic fuses for 105, 130, and 155-mm artillery for a total of $200 million.

Last August, Aryt announced that its subsidiary Reshef Technologies Ltd. (99.75 percent owned by Aryt) had signed a technological cooperation agreement with Bharat Electronics, a military electronics manufacturer. Bharat Electronics is India's second largest defense company, after Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd., and has 13,000 employees.

Last year, Aryt reported that, as part of a ten-year cooperation agreement with Bharat Electronics, Reshef would help Bharat bid in tenders for artillery fuses of various types, with Bharat financing 20 percent of the development and production costs.

Aryt's share price rose 8.7 percent by early afternoon today to NIS 0.85, giving a market cap of NIS 55 million.

[Sanket]

Indian Scientists To Feature At First Israel Multinational BMD Conference (http://livefist.blogspot.com/2010/03/indian-scientists-to-feature-at-first.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter)

March 26, 2010


Scientists from India's ballistic missile defence (BMD) programme -- probably the youngest programme of its kind in the world -- will feature and present papers at the first ever Israel Multinational Ballistic Missile Defence Conference, organised by the Israel Missile Defense Association (IMDA) at Tel Aviv from May 5-6. The three papers to be presented are Non-Linear Sub-optimal Midcourse Guidance With Desired Alignment Using MPQC by Programme AD deputy project director Dr Abhijit Battacharyya, Strategy for Missile Weapon System Flight Test, Evaluation and Demonstration Planning by Parveen Kumar from DRDO's Directorate of Missiles and Integrated Estimation Guidance and Control for Engaging Ballistic Targets by Prasiddha Nath Dwivedi a missile scientist with DRDO's Research Centre-Imarat (RCI). The conference, the first of its kind, will feature speakers from the American BMD programme as well.

[pagan]

http://www.littleabout.com/news/85208,hindus-greet-jews-passover.html

Hindus have sent greetings to Jewish communities worldwide on Passover (Pesach), which begins on March 30 this year.

Acclaimed Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a release in Nevada (USA) today, expressed warmest greetings on behalf of Hindu community on Jewish festival of Passover; wishing happiness, peace and joy to all the Jews.

Rajan Zed, who is the president of Universal Society of Hinduism, stressed that all religions should work together for a just and peaceful world. Dialogue would bring us mutual enrichment, he added.

Jewish Festival of Unleavened Bread, Passover refers to God ‘passing over’ the houses of Israelites during the tenth plague of Egypt.

Judaism is a monotheistic religion of world’s about 14 million Jews whose most sacred text is Torah. Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about one billion adherents and moksh (liberation) is its ultimate goal.

[pagan]

Forget the Israel Lobby. The Hill's Next Big Player Is Made in India.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/28/AR2007092801350.html

[Sanket]

India orders Israeli armed UAVs - in case US drones reach Pakistan
DEBKAfile Special Report April 1, 2010, 12:08 AM (GMT+02:00)



Sources close to the Indian defense ministry in New Delhi disclosed Wednesday, March 31, that a military purchasing mission was in Israel recently to expedite the purchase of a large number of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or drones) armed with missiles, for deployment on its front lines against Pakistan.

Indian sources did not disclose the size of the order placed with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) - running to hundreds of millions of dollars - but they made no secret of their intention to build up their fleet of reconnaissance and killer drones for a possible duel against US-armed Predators in the hands of Pakistani forces.

Islamabad is pushing Washington hard for strategic Predator drones, like those the US employs against al Qaeda and Taliban strongholds in Pakistan's tribal districts on the Afghan border.


From Israel, New Delhi has commissioned a few more drones of the Heron MALE (medium-altitude, long-endurance) type, as well as Searcher-II and Harpy `killer' drones designed to detect and destroy enemy radars by functioning like cruise missiles.


Our military sources report that their reconnaissance and targeting features are sought by India for its response should the Americans decide to let Pakistan have drones capable of firing AGM-114 Hellfire missiles. New Delhi made its order urgent after learning that Washington may deliver drones to Islamabad much sooner than Indian intelligence had foreseen.


Together with the drones, India also ordered from Israel advanced ground control systems and data terminals for their operation.


The visiting Indian delegation also discussed the possible introduction of Israeli Harop `killer' UAVs to the Indian Air Force from 2011. These drones can loiter six hours over targets on ground, sea or dense urban areas and strike them from different angles. The visitors checked on the progress of the DRDO unmanned gunship helicopter, a joint Indian-Israeli project on commission for both their air forces, which is under construction at an Israeli aerospace industry plant. India is going half-and-half with Israel in the costs of developing and production of the innovative helicopter.

[Mil]

Forget the Israel Lobby. The Hill's Next Big Player Is Made in India.

http://www.docstoc.com/docs/25396425/Congress-votes-to-outsource-presidency/

[Mediocrates]

http://www.usinpac.com/

[Sanket]

[b]Forget the Israel Lobby.

Yindoos are coming!!!!!!!! On a serious note - Its not a matter of concern for Jews & Israel if Pro Indian Lobby is getting stronger...:)

[Mil]

My CEO is already an Indian with a highest paid salary in the business, the previous one was a Jew. Both are turning out to be idiots....

[Sanket]

My CEO is already an Indian with a highest paid salary in the business, the previous one was a Jew. Both are turning out to be idiots....

U better find a new job then. ...:p

[Sanket]

Indian air force orders Harop loitering munitions (http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/04/09/340351/indian-air-force-orders-harop-loitering-munitions.html)

09/04/10

The Indian air force is to purchase Israel Aerospace Industries' Harop loitering munition system, with deliveries next year.

[Sanket]

Indo-Israel FTA to boost trade ties (http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/indo-israel-fta-to-boost-trade-ties/90964/on)

April 12, 2010, 15:02 IST


The proposed free trade agreement (FTA) between India and Israel would boost trade and economic ties, Ambassador of Israel to India Mark Sofer said today.

He said that Israel would be the first country with which India will have a one-to-one FTA. Post FTA, the trade volume is expected to triple to $12 billion.

The present level of trade volume between the two countries was four billion dollars, without including the defence part, Sofer said.

Trade was evenly balanced between exports and imports, Sofer said speaking at the Bengal National Chamber of Commerce and Industry here.

[Sanket]

LCA Set To Fly With Israeli Radar (http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_generic.jsp?topicName=india&id=news/awx/2010/04/22/awx_04_22_2010_p0-221793.xml&headline=LCA%20Set%20To%20Fly%20With%20Israeli%20R adar)

Apr 22, 2010

[Sanket]

BEL's missile seeker venture with Israel's Rafael may come through this year. (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2010/04/24/stories/2010042452390500.htm)
Bangalore, April 23


Although the two companies signed a term sheet more than two years ago, it looks an easier prospect now than before as Rafael is agreeable to holding a lower equity of 26 per cent in the proposed venture.

The venture, when it comes through, may involve technology transfer, manufacturing at any of BEL's nine facilities, as also co-development of seekers for other missiles. Apart from meeting the needs of the two countries, the MoU of February 2008 had also a provision for exports.

The home-made Akash anti-aircraft missile, for example, does not use a seeker and is controlled and commanded from ground continuously.

[Sanket]

Israeli air force may train in india for long-range training (http://idrw.org/?p=1453)

04/28/2010,

BY : IDRW NEWS NETWORK


After been denied Long range Training in turkey ,Israeli air force is considering India which can be used for training its pilots for long-range air strikes . Israel has limited air space for long-range training , and is is seriously considering India has an option .

Israeli air force have been doing this training in case of war between Iran and Israeli breaks out in the middle east . India been a big county will be able to provide condition for long range trainings , if Israeli air force is based in any air base on south India will be traveling from base to firing range in Rajasthan which will enhance the skills of the Israeli pilots .

India on the other hand has similar long term agreement with Singapore where Soldiers from Singapore Armed force conduct military exercise every year in India . under this pact Singapore can also keep many of its Equipment like Artillery guns and armored vehicles in India.

Singapore Air force also trains in India for almost two months in the year which includes carrying out bombing exercise in firing range based near kaliakunda air base

[Sanket]

Israel will not sell Turkey advanced naval Barak-8 interceptor (http://www.debka.com/article/8744/)

DEBKAfile Exclusive Report April 27, 2010, 4:50 PM (GMT+02:00)



Israel has turned down several Turkish requests for advanced military hardware, according to Israeli and Western intelligence sources. Sources in Ankara say that the impact from Prime minister Tayyep Recep Erdogan's alignment with Syria and Iran and poisonous attacks on Israel is beginning to cut into the Turkish army's operational capabilities. In recent weeks, Turkish naval chiefs tried to find out in particular if Israel would be willing to sell the Barak 8 missile interceptor, whose radar provides 360-degree coverage against incoming missiles or air attack, and which was developed in partnership with India.

Security sources told debkafile that it was decided in Jerusalem not to sell, in case Erdogan decided to allow Iranian military intelligence experts to study the Barak-8 and analyze its technology. This interceptor is a key defensive component for the Israeli missile and warships patrolling the Persian Gulf seas opposite Iran, the Red Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean opposite Syrian and Lebanese shores.

...

India too is flatly against letting Turkey getting hold of the Barak 8, in whose development the Indian Navy has invested $330 million since the program began in 2004. New Delhi fears that from Turkey, the technology might leak to Tehran, which India fears is capable of trading its secrets with Islamabad for Pakistani nuclear and missile technology.

Six months ago, India and Israel signed a $1.1 billion contract for the purchase of the interceptor and its installation on most of its navy's warships. The system, complete with launchers, radar and installation sells for $24 million.

[Sanket]

Amitav Ghosh lands in controversy over Israeli literary award (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Amitav-Ghosh-lands-in-controversy-over-Israeli-literary-award/articleshow/5870500.cms)

Apr 29, 2010,


NEW DELHI: Writer Amitav Ghosh is in the middle of an unsavoury award controversy. The writer of award-winning novels like ‘The Shadow Lines’ and ‘The Hungry Tide’ has won the million-dollar Dan David Prize. Won for “Rendition of the 20th Century,” he’ll share it with Booker-winning author Margaret Atwood. But their acceptance of the prize has invited strong protest from groups supporting the academic and cultural boycott of Israel.

Ghosh — the third Indian to win the prize after chemist C N R Rao (2005) and musician Zubin Mehta (2007) — and Atwood are scheduled to receive it in Tel Aviv on May 9. Because the award’s partly funded by the Tel Aviv University, the writers have received ‘open letters’ and emails urging them to refuse it.

“Stand up to your principles, Margaret, and set an example for other decent intellectuals.... A total boycott of Israel in response to its total occupation of Palestine,” wrote Antoine Raffoul of London in an email to Atwood dated April 11. This and Atwood’s response defending her decision and calling the boycott a “dangerous precedent,” were published on the website of the US Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel. Another group, the British Committee for the Universities of Palestine (BRICUP), wrote an open letter signed by film-studies scholar Haim Bresheeth and biologist David Pegg among others, to Ghosh.

Ghosh responded on email and later in a magazine piece. First, he makes the same point as Atwood that “this prize is awarded by a university in conjunction with a private foundation: it is not awarded by the state of Israel.”

He further writes, “I do not believe in embargoes and boycotts where they concern matters of culture and learning,” and clarifies that he “did not turn [the Commonwealth Prize] down but “withdrew [his] book from competition because [he disagreed with the specific mandate of that prize.”

[Mediocrates]

I have hard thinking that Atwood would have wondered for a second given her ideas of feminism and gender equality.

[Sanket]

Israel-India Joint Cancer Research (http://www.isracast.com/article.aspx?ID=1201&t=Israel-India-Joint-Cancer-Research&play=1)

Thursday, April 29, 2010


The Bone Marrow Transplantation Department at Hadassah Medical Center in Ein Kerem, Jerusalem has been at the forefront of research and clinical treatment since this field started playing a major role in the treatment of cancer. Its department director, Prof. Reuven Or has just returned from a working visit to India where he gave seminars at three hospitals and participated as a consultant in the opening of the new Bone Marrow Transplantation department at the Ruby Hall Clinic in the Pune urban region. In an exclusive interview with David Essing, Dr. Or also disclosed that more joint projects are now underway.

[Sanket]

Not sure about the above news. It was uploaded just a few minutes back on isracast.com

Can someone confirm the above news by looking at the link ?

[Sanket]

Israeli scientists to train Krishnagiri farmers (http://www.hindu.com/2010/05/21/stories/2010052159960300.htm)


Israeli scientists will give training to farmers of Krishnagiri on latest technologies available in agriculture sector, Collector V.K. Shanmugam said here recently.

Israeli diplomat Avribarzur, Counselor - MASHAV (Science & Agriculture) at its embassy office in New Delhi, visited the district two days last week. During his stay here, he went round the poly green-houses and studied cultivation of vegetables and flowers under horticulture in Krishnagiri, Hosur and Kelamangalam areas.

He inspected the poly green-houses set up with government subsidy in Chinna Vellatharapalli, Pennapalli and Achettipalli areas in Hosur.
....
Mr. Avribarzur said that he would send a team of agriculture experts in July this year to give training to the farmers in Krishnagiri district.

[Sanket]

Israel to work in Rajasthan on water, farming (http://www.ptinews.com/news/667287_Israel-to-work-in-Rajasthan-on-water--farming)

Jaipur, May 25 (PTI) Israel is planning to work in Rajasthan in cooperation with the local authorities on issues like water quality and agriculture.

Ambassador of Israel to India Mark Sofer discussed the issue in detail with Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot at a meeting here.

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Ambassador Mark Sofer is doing excellent job.

[Sanket]

Israel regrets naming India to explain killings off Gaza (http://beta.thehindu.com/news/national/article444802.ece?homepage=true)

Well Played Israel...India should have kept its mouth shut instead of condemning the attack on 31st.

[pagan]

As you know that the whole world muslims are ganging together against Israel even in countries of Europe and America and people are keeping quite about it. Now it is time that we should start supporting Israeli action on Gaza against Hamas. Even the UN is keeping quite and our bastard government is also condemning the attacks....but we should take a different stance and support totally Israeli actions We can do this by following methods.

1) Distribute small flags like tri colour distributed on republic day and independence day etc. small flags which can be pinned on pockets
2) Putting israeli flags out side windows along with Hindu flags crossing each other showing solidarity
3) The most cheap and effective method is wall paintings like political parties and the communists do to attract masses with email ID below.

Guidelines for Wall painting

Attached are Israeli and Hindu flags which can be drawn easily, use normal Chuna for white background and Blue and Saffron clour dyes can be got through paint and hardware stores easily and mixed with other part of Chuna. Both Flags can be drawn side by side with a Slogan following it. Or whatever way u feel good but both flags should be there. All slogans should be in Hindi with organisation name as "Jewish Hindu Brotherhoon" Below that you can mention your organisation as supported by "xyz". Deadline should be on eve of 26th January 2009 but the paintings can continue whenever u have chance. Slogans can be anything but do send me slogans before putting them on, no direct action against Muslims indirectly anything can be done. Slogans are as under

1) Rajniti khi napunsakta dekho mumbai akraman khe 2 mahine baad bhi kuch nahi, Israel ne akraman kiya tho hungama...Israel akraman kha sampoorna samarthan.
2) 3 saal mein hamas nee 40,000 rocket daage thab kohi kuch nahi bola....abh kya hua hai......Israel kha pura samarthan kijiye.
3) Hamas, Fatah, Hizbullah, Lashar, Al qaeda, aur bhi anek saree Kashmiri hindu khi samasya hai....Israel kha samarthan karein
4) Kuch Votes khe liye bik jate hain yeh, Atankwadion khe sanrakshak hai yeh, paison khe liye kuch bhi bech denge maa aur rashtra bhi...Rajnitik napunsakta see bahar aao Israel kha samarthan karo.

And you can desing and advise on many more ideas, will have to have more sayings.

DO NOT FORGET TO TAKE PHOTOGRAPHS OF EVERY PAINTING AND SEND IT ACROSS TO ME WITH LOCATION. THESE PHOTOS WILL ARRIVE FROM LOTS OF CITIES AND WILL BE SUBMITTED TO UNITED NATIONS.

http://www.sanghparivar.org/campaign-support-israel

[bararallu]

When will India come out of the closet and do the right thing in the UN and everywhere else?

[Mil]

Where the hell was Turkey when Jews were executed in Mumbai? Where the hell was UN and everyone else?

[Sanket]

Israel mulls more CoE for agriculture in India (http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/israel-mulls-more-coe-for-agriculture-in-india/397492/)

June 09, 2010


Farmers in Gujarat may have a reason to rejoice if Israel lends its expertise to the state in the form of an Indo-Israel Centre for Excellence (CoE) to promote research and development in agriculture sector. Israel and India, as part of their agriculture agreement in India, are planning to expand the CoEs to more states, a senior Israeli government official said here today.

"We are planning to expand to two more states after Haryana and Maharashtra to set up CoEs and may also consider Gujarat for the same. Gujarat has a lot of cotton and onions. These centres function with the support of the government and we bring the experts to improve yield with help from local professionals," Orna Sagiv, Consul General, Consulate General of Israel said. A high-level delegation from Israel was on a state visit to facilitate innovative technology transfer to Indian counterparts in the agro processing sector here.
.
..
.
According to Sagiv, 35 per cent of Israel's total produce is exported, while 50 per cent of bilateral trade between India and Israel is for diamonds. "Israel exports about $1.3 billion worth of agricultural produce annually. If the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two nations materialises, there will no longer be custom barriers and we will see more trade between the two countries," she said.

[Sanket]

Israelis "shocked" by Bollywood film on Hitler

Jerusalem, Jun 15 (PTI) Israelis are "shocked" by a Bollywood director's decision to make a film on Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler that will show how?the despot?loved India and how he indirectly contributed to its independence.?

"I am a proud Indian and assert my Indian identity everywhere I go in Israel. I tell fellow Israelis that in my birthplace there was no anti-semitism. However, I am having to bow my heads in shame at this recent?ignorance shown by Bollywood, which is also very dear to us," Noah Massil, President of Central Organisation of Indian Jews in Israel (COIJI), told PTI.

"All I know is that Hitler never supported India's independence. I will write to President Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to intervene in order to prevent?bringing disrepute to our entertainment industry," said Massil,?a Jew born in India but later migrated to Israel.

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Dear Noah Massil,

Didn't you see this coming ? Our Bollywood Industry always show Muslims as peaceful or how they are mistreated by evil Hindus. If you have seen the recent Movies you will understand what i am trying to say.

Let not forget, the places shown like Chabad House, Taj, Pune, etc. to 26/11 Terrorist David Headley (Gilani) was son of a famous Director.
Our Secular Government did not arrest him because that would question our Secularism.

[Mediocrates]

The dance numbers will be awesome.

[Mil]

The dramatic part:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xFMkvCN1ao

[Sanket]

^ The lead actor (Anupam Kher) has decided not to work in the Film. Maybe some American Jewish from Hollywood called him and said it would be the end of his Hollywood Career if he acts in the film :)

============

Would look at hi-tech transfer in fast growing sectors: Mark Sofer, Ambassador of Israel to India (http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/Bilateral-trade-with-India-to-reach-12-bn-in-next-3-to-4-years-Israels-Ambassador-to-India/articleshow/6111874.cms)
30 Jun 2010,


Mark Sofer, Ambassador of Israel to India, talks about Isreal's bilateral trade relation with India and the country's plans going forward, in an exclusive interview to ET Bureau. Excerpts:

Q. What kind of technologies is Israel planning to bring to India?

You know in Israel today, economy is entirely based on technology and technological innovations, in all fields of human activity from agriculture, medical, defence activities, mobile technologies. Here is clearly a marriage made in heaven between Israel and Bangalore and you feel it, wherever you go, there are Israeli companies that are active here. One company Elbit Imaging has set up headquarters here in Bangalore. They are working in three fields, setting up hospitals they have a 300 bed hospital, they are involved in real estate and agriculture using Israeli technologies. Let me give you an example of work in dairy farming and water technology. Israeli cows yield around 41-42 litres of milk in a day, it is a question of using systems and technology to double or triple the amount of milk you can get from a cow and these are the types of technologies which are being imported to India now , which will be very good indeed for the local farmers.Other technologies deal with irrigation systems, water usage and management and creation of new water sources.

Q. What kind of collaborations do you see in the area of Aerospace and Defence and Home Land Security?

The Phalcon early warning radar systems, which was an Israeli-Russian-Indian development went well. Homeland security is a serious issue which is affecting us today. In India you have been attacked , clearly there is a huge growing demand for HLS not only in India but through out the world. There are number of Israeli companies working here, there are number of private contracts with hotels and airports. The tourism industry is very important and is a very easy target for terrorists. We will be holding an international conference and exhibition towards the end of October, dedicated entirely to the safe city , everything that deals with HLS.


Q. Do you see mergers and acquisitions between Indian and Israeli companies?

It is not only the Tejas Networks that acquired an Israeli company.For example the biggest irrigation company in India, Jain Irrigation Systems has merged with an Israeli’s firm, NaanDan Irrigation Systems. It is going extremely well, they have tripled their out put.I see more such mergers, I tell you why, because this free trade agreement that we are working on , negotiations have already started, our trade will triple within four years. What Israeli companies are finding in the civilian fields and others, that they can work with Indian engineers at a very highest level, as they both are working on same wave length. For example the hospital we are working here, we don’t need to bring Israeli doctors, because Indian doctors know about these technologies.

Q. What is the next big leap between India and Israel?

If you examine the economic relationship between India and Israel, what has happened since 1990, we established diplomatic relations which is just 18 year old,it has grown from $180 million to about $4 billion. Don’t forget it also about employment. I don’t know any other countries which have built such a dynamic economic relationship in short period of time. My belief is that much of work between India and Israel in future will be in the field of economics, commercial trade, investment, joint ventures, joint development, scientific cooperation. All of it is going on, there will be government and private money. It will benefit India in terms of agriculture, water, medical technologies. Mutual admiration I think in each society for the other and free trade agreement will be the vehicle for achieving this aim.

[Sanket]

An Olive Oil Experiment in India (http://www.oliveoiltimes.com/olive-oil-business/asia/olive-oil-india/3863)
June 30 2010


In India, Rajasthan is the location for the first experiment in olive cultivation. The company Rajasthan Olive Cultivation Ltd (ROCL) is a 3-way collaboration between the Rajasthan State Agriculture Board, Plastro Plasson of Pune and Indolive Ltd, all of which have equal shares. Plastro Plasson Industries (India) Ltd is a joint venture between Finolex Ltd of India and two Israeli companies and deals in micro-irrigation, while Indolive is an Israeli company which is partially funded by the Israeli government, which promotes techniques in agriculture.

Lior Weintraub, a spokesman for the Israel embassy has said, “A project such as this, where a new kind of tree is being introduced in a water-scarce environment, hinges on the irrigation system used. So the olive project is as much about drip irrigation as it is about transforming Rajasthan into a major olive grower. The main reason the project was considered for Rajasthan was the similarities in climate and cultivation problems in the state and Israel. However, there are major differences in soil and other factors which will have to be addressed.”

[Sanket]

India's Israeli-Arab tightrope walk (http://english.aljazeera.net/focus/2010/07/2010719123045648156.html)

JULY 21, 2010

"We do have a defence relationship with India, which is no secret. On the other hand, what is a secret is what is the defence relationship. And with all due respect, the secret part of it will remain secret." - Mark Sofer, Israel's ambassador to India, in a recent interview given to OutlookIndia.com.

..........

Pro-Arab leanings

Indian foreign policy in the early days after its independence was heavily pro-Arab, partly due to the fact that India has a huge Muslim population which empathised with the Arab world and viewed Israel with suspicion and distrust. But that was not the only reason.

Almost a decade before independence, the father of the Indian freedom movement, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, had clearly articulated his position on the issue. In an editorial in the Harijan, a widely circulated Indian weekly, on November 11, 1938, Gandhi declared: "My sympathies are with the Jews ... but my sympathy does not blind me to the requirements of justice. The cry for the national home for the Jews does not make much appeal to me ... Why should they not, like other peoples of the earth, make that country their home where they are born and where they earn their livelihood? Surely it would be a crime against humanity to reduce the proud Arabs so that Palestine can be restored to the Jews partly or wholly as their national home."

India's first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, agreed. Nehru was among the founder members of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), along with Presidents Josip Broz Tito of Yugoslavia and Gamal Abdul Nasser of Egypt. This relationship with Nasser and other Arab members of the movement made it difficult for Nehru to align openly with Israel. Besides, while the NAM was an attempt to stay non-aligned during the Cold War, Israel was seen as too closely aligned with the US.

Another reason for India's coldness towards Israel was that, after independence, a large number of Indian workers migrated to the Gulf. The money that they sent back to India formed a sizeable chunk of India's foreign exchange inflow.

This foreign policy position laid out by Nehru and Gandhi was challenged, however, by opposition parties in India from both ends of the political spectrum; they consistently argued for better relations with Israel.

Establishing relations

Although formal relations between India and Israel were established only in 1992 during the tenure of Indian Prime Minister Narasimha Rao, informal relations in the areas of defence and intelligence had commenced long before that. It is interesting that Rao, who was prime minister from June 1991 to May 1996, also aggressively wooed Iran, a nation which did not recognise Israel's statehood, preferring to describe it, instead, as "the Zionist regime".

India's historically hostile relations with Pakistan are often cited as a key reason for the India-Israel defence and intelligence link. But military aid from Israel (mostly in the form of artillery shells) was received by India even during the 1962 India-China border war, which ended only when the Chinese unilaterally withdrew to their pre-attack positions.

Before Rao officially recognised Israel in 1992, Indian and Israeli intelligence officials often met surreptitiously in third countries, particularly after the India-Pakistan war of 1971.

During that war, which led to the birth of Bangladesh from Pakistan's eastern wing, Israel again helped India with mortars and ammunition. One of the Indian heroes of that war was the then eastern command chief, General JFR Jacob - a Jew.

Then, during the Kargil war of May-July 1999, when India attempted to repel Pakistani intruders who had taken up positions on the higher reaches of the Kargil mountains, Israel quickly sent Heron and Searcher unmanned aerial vehicles, or UAVs, to locate and identify the Pakistani-held positions. It also supplied ammunition for the Bofors field guns and night vision equipment, both of which played key roles in the conflict.


Endorsing Palestinian cause

Paradoxically, India also, simultaneously, endorsed and espoused the Palestinian cause.........
In 1947, India voted against the partition of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly. India was the first non-Arab state to recognise the PLO [Palestine Liberation Organisation] as sole and legitimate representative of the Palestinian people in 1974. India was one of the first countries to recognise the state of Palestine in 1988. In 1996, India opened its Representative Office to the Palestine Authority in Gaza. The office was moved to Ramallah in 2003
............


An 'unwritten axis'

Over the years, however, the India-Israel relationship has burgeoned into a situation where Israel is poised to become the largest defence supplier to India, a position currently held by Russia. Israel also trains Indian special forces, which are then deployed in the troubled region of Kashmir and in India's north-east areas.

Apart from strategic and military interactions between the two nations, Israeli sensors and satellites are used extensively to monitor the Kashmir border to detect infiltration by insurgents from Kashmir and Pakistan.
......


While officially tight-lipped over nuclear cooperation, the two states clearly share deep concerns about the possibility of nuclear proliferation by Pakistan, as well as Iran's nuclear ambitions.

In September 2003, during the visit to India by Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon (the first such visit by an Israeli prime minister), his deputy (now late) Yosef Lapid told journalists that an "unwritten, abstract" axis had been created between Israel, India and the US. While there was no "formal triangular agreement ... there is mutual interest of the three countries in making the world a more secure place for all of us. There is American support for development of this unwritten axis," Lapid told reporters in New Delhi. Therefore, "in the abstract sense, we are creating such an axis".
...........

'Enlightened self-interest'
........

India - and Israel - have taken pains to spell out that this relationship is not at the expense of India's relations with the Arab states. Indian diplomats and politicians keep pointing to the fact that India has publicly condemned Operation Cast Lead, Israel's name for the blistering three-week long attack on the Gaza Strip in late 2008-early 2009.

India also joined in the international condemnation of the May 31, 2010 pre-dawn Israeli attack on the Turkish Ship Mavi Marmara, which led the "Gaza Freedom flotilla" carrying humanitarian aid for the people of the blockaded Gaza Strip. Nine people were killed in the attack by Israeli commandos.


But while successive governments in New Delhi have been quietly trying to maintain and develop India's relationship with Israel without overly antagonising the Arab world, there are times when the stress shows. Take, for instance, the article written by recently-removed minister of state for external affairs, Shashi Tharoor, in January 2009. Tharoor was India's candidate for the UN secretary general's post in 2006. He quit after losing to Ban Ki-moon, and joined Indian politics. The syndicated column, distributed worldwide, was run by Israel's Haaretz newspaper with the title: "India's Israel Envy". The article, which coincided with Israel's operation Cast Lead, caused an uproar, both domestically and internationally.

During his election campaign in March 2009, the opposition used the article to imply that Tharoor endorsed the Israeli military operation in Gaza. Earlier, several Arab diplomats in New Delhi also voiced their concern, asking whether Tharoor's article reflected the ruling Congress Party's position on Israel.

Tharoor was subsequently forced to write another article defending himself, and clarifying that he had not endorsed Israel's military campaign in Gaza, and pointing to what he regarded as his long and consistent pro-Palestinian stand during his stint at the United Nations.


Read it All!

[Mediocrates]

http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htecm/articles/20100724.aspx

July 24, 2010: India wants to buy two more Phalcon AWACS systems. In the last 18 months, India has received two of the three Phalcon AWACS (Air Warning And Control System) systems it had on order, and the last one will arrive by the end of the year. Russia supplies the modified Il-76 aircraft, and Israel the radar and control system. AWACS, pioneered by the U.S., have proved to be a crucial element in winning air superiority, and more efficient use of air power. India ordered the three IL-76 AWACS, for $367 million each (radar, aircraft and other electronics) in 2004. Now India is looking for two more Phalcon AWACS, to provide better warning of nuclear missile attack from Pakistan, or China. India is open to offers from other aircraft manufacturers, as it was not happy with Russia and the Il-76. Israel uses Boeing 707s, which are no longer manufactured. But Israel will install Phalcon in a Boeing 707 or 767, an AirBus or even a Gulfstream 550 business jet. India is also developing a locally developed AWACS, using three smaller Embraer 145 jets bought from Brazil and a less capable (than Phalcon), and cheaper radar/control systems obtained from Indian suppliers.

[Sanket]

India, Israel plan chip innovation fund (http://www.eetimes.com/electronics-news/4204827/India--Israel-Chips)

BANGALORE, India -- An Indian-Israeli innovation fund with an initial investment of about $2.2 million will underwrite research and development among semiconductor companies.
The fund was created by the state government of Karnataka in southern India along with the Israeli Industry Center for Research and Development. Also known as Matimop, the Israeli government agency promotes international R&D programs between Israeli and foreign firms.

Matimop will run the joint program, and the Karnataka government is expected to increase funding for the semiconductor initiative, said Ashok Kumar Manoli, the state’s principal secretary for information technology.

[Sanket]

Ratan Tata selected 'Businessman of the decade' (http://www.thehindu.com/business/article559242.ece)

“I see tremendous opportunities that existed between India and Israel, opportunities in area of agriculture, but certainly in high technology and science. I think there is an enormous opportunity,” said Mr. Tata.

He added that Israel is a creative country Israeli brains and creativity can be used to manufacture products in India, as it is very close to Israel, and export this to the rest of the world.


----

[Sanket]

India 2nd largest export destination for Israel (http://expressbuzz.com/finance/india-2nd-largest-export-destination-for-israel/195380.html)


As per the figures provided by the Israel's Export and International Cooperation Institute, India jumped from the eighth position to the second favoured destination for Israeli exports in the first half of 2010, daily 'Ha'aretz' reported.

Israeli exports to India in the first half of this year equalled USD 990 million, an increase of 102 per cent compared to that in the same period last year.

The reason for this sharp jump was a 63?per cent leap in exports by?Israel's mining, minerals and quarrying sector, which exported USD 228 million worth of products, mainly fertilizers, to the sub-continent.
One of the biggest exporters to India in this sector?was Dead Sea Works, a subsidiary of Israel Chemicals.

[dayag]

The English language website for the Export and International Cooperation Institute:

http://www.export.gov.il/Eng/

[Sanket]

ICSS, Israel college sign first Indo-Israeli security training pact (http://sify.com/finance/icss-israel-college-sign-first-indo-israeli-security-training-pact-news-news-kitn4bgfgaf.html)

2010-08-19 13:30:00

In a landmark development to enable the youth of India gain leadership positions in the fast growing private security industry and to bring best practices of security intelligence and management to the industry and the nation, the International College for Security Studies (ICSS) and Israeli College for Security and Investigations (ICSI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for setting up of a security training and intelligence college at New Delhi today.

Spread over 150 Acres of lush green environs with best-in-class facilities, the ICSS academy will provide extensive training methodology and modules in all disciplines of Security Intelligence and management for young graduates, serving security professionals in the Government and Private Sectors, NCC C and NCC B certificate holders and youth at large.

.....

Ronen Erez, Director, Professsional Educational Department, ISCI said," India and Israel have shared a deep cordial and bi lateral relationship for so many centuries. The two nations also have similar cultural and social value systems.

We are very happy to be in India at this point in time and have deep faith with the ICSS management. Together with ICSS, we are confident of providing the best-in-class security officers and managers to the Industry."

Dr R S Nehra, Director, Placements, ICSS, said " Israel is among the best in the world in the security training and intelligence domain and we are happy to collaborate with the best." (ANI)

[pagan]

Israeli trekkers help out in Indian floods



Israeli trekkers help out in Indian floods

Airplanes wait for some 200 Israelis trapped in northern India after floods, but many decide to stay and help instead of returning home. 'This is how we were raised,' says Matan Golan, one of Israelis staying on

Itamar Eichner
Published: 08.15.10, 07:58 / Israel Activism

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"It is heart-warming," said Israeli Consul General in New Delhi Irit Shneor with unabashed pride. "In the heart of the destruction in the Ladakh region, among the demolished cabins, in the somber atmosphere, Israeli trekkers are volunteering around the clock, always with a smile on their lips, giving their all to help the refugees from the disaster area left bruised and wounded, without anything, without shelter."



Official sources in India said on Wednesday that the official death toll claimed by the floods last week in the mountainous Ladakh region reached 185, with some 400 others still missing. Another thousand people lost all of their belongings, left without a roof over their heads. They were transferred to government emergency shelters after the massive amounts of water destroyed everything in its path, including road, electricity, and communication infrastructures.




Israeli trekkers help out in Indian floods

Airplanes wait for some 200 Israelis trapped in northern India after floods, but many decide to stay and help instead of returning home. 'This is how we were raised,' says Matan Golan, one of Israelis staying on

Itamar Eichner
Published: 08.15.10, 07:58 / Israel Activism

Share on TwitterShare on Facebook
share

"It is heart-warming," said Israeli Consul General in New Delhi Irit Shneor with unabashed pride. "In the heart of the destruction in the Ladakh region, among the demolished cabins, in the somber atmosphere, Israeli trekkers are volunteering around the clock, always with a smile on their lips, giving their all to help the refugees from the disaster area left bruised and wounded, without anything, without shelter."



Official sources in India said on Wednesday that the official death toll claimed by the floods last week in the mountainous Ladakh region reached 185, with some 400 others still missing. Another thousand people lost all of their belongings, left without a roof over their heads. They were transferred to government emergency shelters after the massive amounts of water destroyed everything in its path, including road, electricity, and communication infrastructures.


Floods in Ladakh. 'This is how we were brought up' (Photo: AP)



Irit Shneor returned Wednesday to New Delhi from the city of Leh, the capital of the Ladakh region, after spending two days commanding the rescue operation of 600 Israeli backpackers trapped by the floods.



"Indian aid was amazing," said Shneor. "Their air force sent helicopters to evacuate the backpackers who were in the middle of a trek, and the army sent trucks to transfer Israelis to bases where they were provided food and medication."



After spending two days in the devastated city, Shneor can tell of the expansive destruction. "It's just heaps of rubble," she said. "Some of the buildings were made out of mud and had no chance of surviving the flooding of the river and the landslides. Now everything is destroyed, with mountains of mud, earth, rocks, and boulders."



The embassy arranged flights to take Israelis from the disaster zone to New Delhi. Shneor was surprised when 200 Israelis decided not to board the flights, choosing instead to stay behind and help with the rehabilitation and relief efforts.



"It is simply heart-warming," said Shneor. "Some of the Israelis who served as combat medics in the military volunteered at an improvised hospital set up in the city. Some helped lift boulders and evacuate the rubble from the streets. Israelis make up half of all the foreign volunteers, which is truly impressive."



The phenomenon of such Israeli good will is not only taking root in physical aid, according to Shneor.


"I was very moved to see that some of the Israelis donated money to the locals and even gave them their clothing," she said. "People go on a trip with a limited amount of clothing. Despite this, they reached into their backpacks and donated their clothes, left with the bare minimum needed. I spoke with a girl who said that all she had left were the clothes she was wearing. She saw the distress people were in and decided to donate. She said they were very happy and thanked her with glistening eyes. She won't forget this for her whole life."



Matan Golan, 28, from Jerusalem, who volunteered in the makeshift hospital set up in Leh, recounted how the initiative came about.



"It was a spontaneous move organized by a number of Israeli travelers who connected with other tourists and set up the field hospital," he told Indian television. "I think everyone would have done what we did. This is how we were raised. I don't think anyone else who had come here and seen the disaster would have said to himself, 'I'm not connect to this,' and gone home."

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3934985,00.html

[Sanket]

Top Israel univ to help Guj improve education standards (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/Top-Israel-univ-to-help-Guj-improve-education-standards/articleshow/6470860.cms)

GANDHINAGAR: Israel has offered to set up a centre of innovation to promote higher educational standards in Gujarat. Making the announcement, Israeli ambassador Mark Sofer told newspersons here soon after his hour-long meeting with chief minister Narendra Modi that the centre would be set up by Technion Israel Institute of Technology, a world class research university pursing teaching and research in the sciences "having standards as high as Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)".

..

"Israel's top group, Makhteshim Agan, world's leader in branded off-patent crop protection solutions, has already decided to set up two pesticide factories in Dahej,"

[pagan]

Soft power on show at Ajmer and Mumbai

Israel’s ambassador in India, Mark Sofer, visited the shrine of renowned Sufi saint Moinuddin Chishti at Ajmer last Friday. Israel’s move to reach out to Muslims in India and Muslims in general is both shrewd and right.

That India should be the place for the conciliatory move is hugely significant. Sofer acknowledged the common heritage of Jews and Muslims as children of Abraham, and made a significant political statement that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is not a religious one. It is a political issue.

The senior caretaker of the shrine, Syed Sarwar Chishty, apparently told Sofer about the Sufi shrine being the real face of Islam, and Sofer responded by saying that Osama bin Laden is not Islam.

This is indeed the encounter of religions in the classical Indian sense where faiths jostle with each other and flourish. Representatives of the other Abrahamic tradition — various church leaders — also reached out to Muslims in Mumbai the other day to prevent any communal fallout if a lunatic pastor in America carries out his threat to burn the Koran on 9/11.

There is, of course, a need to understand this meeting of minds as one of limited impact. Sofer and Sarwar cannot hope to resolve long-standing disputes just by reference to Sufi and Indian traditions.

The talks between Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority president Mahmoud Abbas in Washington will not be affected by the encounters in Ajmer or Mumbai. It is not going to restrain the fanatical Jewish settlers on West Bank from building new settlements or zealots in Hamas from attacking civilians.

India is perhaps best placed for every one to recognise that the coexistence of people with different beliefs need not spell irreconcilable differences or unending strife. India is not, to be sure, a paragon of virtue in this matter. It does, however, show more willingness than any other country in the world to accept that pluralism and diversity are facts of life and not merely constitutional credos. This is India’s unheralded soft power. Our multi-cultural society stands out as a beacon in a troubled world.

http://www.dnaindia.com/opinion/editorial_soft-power-on-show-at-ajmer-and-mumbai_1433960

[Sanket]

Jew & far between (http://www.mid-day.com/news/2010/sep/180910-Mumbai-Jews-Israel-Jewish-centres-survival.htm) :(

With 200 Jews going back to Israel annually, Jewish centres struggle for survival

For Noel Samson Chincholkar and his two sons, today could be his last Yom Kippur (a day of atonement and one of the holiest days for the Jews) in India. Like many Jews in the city, Chincholkar, who is originally from Mumbai and is now a farmer in Raigad district, is looking to migrate to Israel in a year's time. Apart from faith, he has another compelling reason to go back to his roots -- his children's education. :(

http://www.mid-day.com/imagedata/2010/sep/Jew.jpg
No takers: In 1956, 90 per cent of the students at the Elly Kadoorie
School in Mazgaon were Jewish. Today, it does not have even one Jewish
student. PIC/SHADAB KHAN

.
.
.
75,000 The number of Indian Jews who now live in Israel. They comprise only I per cent of the country's population.
4,000 The approximate number of Jews living in India.

Did you know?
Israel has recently granted honorary citizenship to Sandra Samuels, the Indian nanny who risked her life to save Israeli toddler Moshe Holtzberg from the clutches of terrorists during the 26/11 Mumbai attack. Samuel was working for Moshe's parents -- Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg and his wife Rivka -- at the Chabbad House in Nariman Point since their arrival in Mumbai in 2003.

[Mil]

Yeah - that was a big story. A very brave woman.

[Sanket]

India honours its heroes in Israel (http://news.rediff.com/slide-show/2010/sep/28/slide-show-1-special-india-honours-world-war-one-heroes.htm)

[Sanket]

India, Israel likely to sign FTA in 2011
(http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/india-israel-likely-to-sign-fta-in-2011/117387/on)Reuters / Jerusalem November 27, 2010, 17:24 IST


In a big boost to the burgeoning Indo-Israel bilateral trade, the two countries are likely to sign a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) next year.

"The giant Indian market is full of endless opportunities for Israeli companies, of which many are already active there and can now expand their market," Israel's Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz was quoted as saying at a trade convention by news portal Ynetnews.

The report said that Steinitz would visit India in February.

[Reffo]

Sanket

What's your take on this ...?

Indian president backs Syria's claim on the Golan Heights (http://www.haaretz.com/news/international/indian-president-backs-syria-s-claim-on-the-golan-heights-1.327233)


Indian President Pratibha Patil said that India fully supported the return of the Golan Heights to Syria during a joint press conference with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Damascus, Israel Radio reported SaturdayThis is not cool ...

[curlyg]

Sanket

What's your take on this ...?

Indian president backs Syria's claim on the Golan Heights (http://www.haaretz.com/news/international/indian-president-backs-syria-s-claim-on-the-golan-heights-1.327233)

This is not cool ...

It's nothing new, there is not a single country on earth which doesn't support Syria's claim to the Golan so I don't see any reason to be especially surprised... And India has always sought to keep good relations with Israel's Arab neighbors, they're not interested in becoming entangled in this mess as the Americans have.

[Kachah]

Reffo, it's mainstream. Everybody has to tick off "Golan Heights", "illegal settlements" and similar "issues". I don't think Indians care much about Golan Heights.

[Reffo]

It's nothing new, there is not a single country on earth which doesn't support Syria's claim to the Golan so I don't see any reason to be especially surprised... And India has always sought to keep good relations with Israel's Arab neighbors, they're not interested in becoming entangled in this mess as the Americans have.


Reffo, it's mainstream. Everybody has to tick off "Golan Heights", "illegal settlements" and similar "issues". I don't think Indians care much about Golan Heights.You are both right but is there a need to come out and make public statements to this effect? Why can't so called friends just keep their noses out and let Israel and Syria sort it out?

Having said that, I blame Israel's successive governments, both leftist and rightist governments, for this situation. Why? Because they don't create consequences for those who rush to make uncalled for statements about the Middle East. Anyone who embarasses Israel, just walks away. On the other hand, if anyone says something that upsets the Arabs, the Arabs make sure that such parties pay some price for their indiscretion.

No wonder then that everyone who is interested in getting something, opts to kick Israel if it suits them.

Oh and by the way, it doesn't matter what every country says. Israel will never give up the Golan unconditionally. If the Syrians are serious about wanting to get the Golan back, then they will first have to "sing for their supper ..."

[curlyg]

I missed the part where anyone said Israel must give back the Golan "unconditionally..." I also don't think the statement is uncalled for. They haven't said anything that Israel isn't obligated to do pursuant to UN Security Council resolutions anyway.

[Reffo]

I missed the part where anyone said Israel must give back the Golan "unconditionally..."The Syrians are saying it. And anyone who then publicly talks only about what Israel must do in a joint press conference with the Syrian dictator, is seen to endorse the Syrian stance, whether they mean to or not.


I also don't think the statement is uncalled for. They haven't said anything that Israel isn't obligated to do pursuant to UN Security Council resolutions anyway.Which security council resolution are you talking about curly? If you are talking about Resolution 242 then that resolution clearly says that Israel must withdraw to secure borders which MUST be recognized. So there are two issues there which such simplistic declarations seem to ignore. At the least, if the Indian President wants to issue such declarations, then she should not leave those issues out. Had she done so, then her declaration would sound more diplomatic and balanced.

[curlyg]

The Syrians are saying it. And anyone who then publicly talks only about what Israel must do in a joint press conference with the Syrian dictator, is seen to endorse the Syrian stance, whether they mean to or not.

Which security council resolution are you talking about curly? If you are talking about Resolution 242 then that resolution clearly says that Israel must withdraw to secure borders which MUST be recognized. So there are two issues there which such simplistic declarations seem to ignore. At the least, if the Indian President wants to issue such declarations, then she should not leave those issues out. Had she done so, then her declaration would sound more diplomatic and balanced.

I hardly expect Indian officials to take a pro-Israeli stance when they are in talks with Syrians, any more than I expect them to take a pro-Syrian stance when they are in talks with Israelis. It's just hot air, they'll tell each side what they want to hear. They pay lip service to the Arab world because of the importance of oil and for pandering to their Muslim constituents but in reality it's just talk, the economic and security ties with Israel are top notch and the two countries are fairly natural allies. It would of course be nice if India took a more pro-Israeli stance in light of these improved relations, but all in all they're fairly uninvolved in the conflict.

[Sanket]

Sanket

What's your take on this ...?

Indian president backs Syria's claim on the Golan Heights (http://www.haaretz.com/news/international/indian-president-backs-syria-s-claim-on-the-golan-heights-1.327233)

This is not cool ...

True... :( Indian foreign policy has always been pro-Arab.

Syria assures India of full support on UN Security Council seat (http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_syria-assures-india-of-full-support-on-un-security-council-seat_1472966)

[Sanket]

Names You Need To Know In 2011: Indo-Israeli Alliance
(http://blogs.forbes.com/carolinehoward/2010/11/20/names-you-need-to-know-indo-israeli-alliance/?boxes=financechannelforbes)


Israel has become one of India’s largest military suppliers, while India has assisted Israel in the naval sphere. Israel, the No. 1 foreign issuer on the NASDAQ stock exchange, is investing in many Indian companies, while India has become one of Israel’s top trading partners in Asia.

[Reffo]

I hardly expect Indian officials to take a pro-Israeli stance when they are in talks with Syrians, any more than I expect them to take a pro-Syrian stance when they are in talks with Israelis. It's just hot air, they'll tell each side what they want to hear. They pay lip service to the Arab world because of the importance of oil and for pandering to their Muslim constituents but in reality it's just talk, the economic and security ties with Israel are top notch and the two countries are fairly natural allies. It would of course be nice if India took a more pro-Israeli stance in light of these improved relations, but all in all they're fairly uninvolved in the conflict.There is such a thing as treading mid way between the two. No need for India to make either pro Syria or pro Israel statements.

But seeing that they do make pro Syria statements, despite close commercial cooperation with Israel. I wonder how they would react if Israel too would make a pro Pakistan statement with regards to Kashmir. I mean, who knows, that might help Israel's position too in the Muslim world.

curly, I must admit that I am getting a bit tired of these one sided relationships (diplomatically) in which Israel takes everything on the chin with a smile but as soon as Israel puts a foot wrong, it's 'friends' 'commercial partners' jump down Israel's throat. Don't you think that this idea of having a thick skin is not so great? I think that's why countries like Turkey didn't think twice about kicking Israel in the mouth. Because they assume that as soon as it will suit them, they will just whistle and Israeli leaders/politicians will run, wag their tails and lick their hands, as has recently happened with Castro when he allegedly uttered a few kind words about Jews. I for one am just sick of it even if it is not politically correct for me to say so.

[Kachah]

Reffo, if you are an Indian leader and you are visiting Damascus with some potential benefits in mind you will have to say something about Golans being returned to Syria. It's reasonable. Otherwise you will go to Syria as part of coalition forces. There is no other way.
But there is more commonality. India and Syria are both set free ex-colonies while Israel "belongs" to the colonial powers. At least spiritually. Or call it "the 1st world". There are definitely some beatings there.
India is not that fond of Moslems but holds significant moslem minority so I can't see how Indian PM could have avoided stating once again the "accepted" UN position. Again, doesn't mean he gives a damn.
Anyway, the military co-operation with INdia is definitely better and safer than selling military equipment to China. I bet the Americans are encouraging Israel in alligning with India.

[Reffo]

Kachah

I know what you are saying. But the flip side of it is that if Israel allows itself to be taken for granted, by everyone, then it will reap the kind of diplomatic treatment that is currently being meted out to it by everyone. It's as simple as that.

[Mediocrates]

There are few allies. Mostly it's intersecting interests.

[Sanket]

There are few allies. Mostly it's intersecting interests.

True...But lets not forget, irrespective of the India-Israel Foreign Policy, majority of the citizens support each other.


Reffo,

And please start supporting Pakistan....Do you really think India will start changing its policy because of that ?

And please dont be surprised when they send their Ace Pilots to kill Israeli's AGAIN. Remeber 1973 Arab Israel War and Pakistans Role ?

[Reffo]

Reffo

And please start supporting Pakistan....Do you really think India will start changing its policy because of that ?

And please dont be surprised when they send their Ace Pilots to kill Israeli's AGAIN. Remeber 1973 Arab Israel War and Pakistans Role ?You missed the point of my post. It's not about supporting Pakistan. It's about giving the message that if a type of policy is good enough for one side then it should be good enough for the other side too.

And you know what? It's not about India either. My problem is that Israeli leaders are trying so hard not to "make waves" with any potential ally that potential allies say to themselves that they can take Israel for granted. That means that they are not beyond embarrassing Israel in order to gain favours from Israel's enemies too. What I would like to see from Israel's leaders is a bit more self respect that will induce partners, allies and countries with common interests to consider israel's position too. By all means, be friends with BOTH sides but don't use Israel as a kicking board to gain favours from Israel's enemies.

Am I so wrong in advocating that Sanket? Wouldn't you expect the same from your leaders?

[Sanket]

Am I so wrong in advocating that Sanket? Wouldn't you expect the same from your leaders?

Do you really think most of us like when our leaders make Pro-Arab statements ?

Here we have people who earn their bread and butter by making Anti-India statements. We have politicians who hire Osama lookalikes to get Muslim Votes.

Our Secular Home ministry is considering the terms of reference, perks and privileges of the interlocutors on Kashmir. :D

So whenever India says something about Palestine,etc. Please Take it with a pinch of salt.

[Reffo]

Sanket

I take your point. Maybe my suggestion about Pakistan and Kashmir would be counter productive and even stupid.

Having said that, IMHO, Israel should not just gloss over what happened and take it with a grain of salt. There are consequences to Israel, bad ones, if even countries with common interests continue to gratuitously line up against it whenever they feel it suits THEIR interests to do so. What bad consequences, you might ask? It emboldens Israel's enemies and it emboldens other countries to join the bandwagon to isolate Israel. The net result is that the prospects of peace actually diminish instead of improve. Or worse, Israel would have to make more unreasonable concessions because of international pressure.

[bararallu]

Reffo,

I think we can agree the biggest culprit here is Israel. It is Israel that does not chastise or pressure allies to be not only covertly be with us but overtly. For years we've resigned ourselves to pariah status... a self fulfilled prophecy. To undo the damage would be to publicly chastise an Allied state. I suggest starting with some Western States who are far more hypocritical than India.

[Reffo]

bararallu

Agreed. I totally agree with that. The question is, what options does Israel have to exert it's own counter pressure on whoever. There is 'no' question, however that Israel needs to do more in this regard because having taken such events "with a grain of salt" from so many countries in the past, is why Israel is in the current situation of being under pressure from so many different directions.

[curlyg]

bara and Reffo,

I agree that Israel has by its own complacency made it acceptable and even a profitable enterprise to bash Israel. I've previously said that Israel has turned into a global punching bag because it has failed to pursue a more intelligently assertive foreign policy (as opposed to the stupid kind of assertiveness one sees from Lieberman). In the vast majority of cases, such as say Turkish incitement or Egyptian attacks against Israel, there has to be a price tag for belligerence.

But this is not a model that can be universally applied. We have to realise that the alliance between Israel and the US, and likewise the alliance between Israel and India, are not a relationship between equals. That may not be politically correct to say, but the fact of the matter is that we are talking about a puny country in the Middle East which lacks any natural resources, and serves minimal immediate strategic purpose in the region (e.g. access to the Suez Canal, shipping in the Gulf which are the key US interests in the region) on the one hand, and on the other hand the world's most powerful superpower. The relationship is asymmetric. Israel benefits much more from its ties with the US, than the US benefits from its ties with Israel. The relationship with India is similar. India is a rising superpower, and again, Israel is practically like an Indian city. Israeli defense firms which are making record profits in sales to India are the ones reaping the benefits from the close Israel-India ties, while India COULD, if circumstances so required, simply buy its advanced equipment form Europe or the US.

I'm not saying that India and the US don't also reap benefits from their relations with Israel, but I am saying that we must constantly bear in mind the asymmetry in these alliances and be mindful of the fact that Israel benefits far more from them than the superpowers do. That doesn't mean that Israel should become an outright vassal and simply do everything it is told, but it does mean, imo, that Israel should tread lightly and overlook minor incidents like this where an Indian official just tells the Syrians what they want to hear without doing anything about it in reality.

[Mediocrates]

Russia continues to supply 75% of India's armaments. Of course they're of rough quality but you gotta dance with the one what brought ya.

[Reffo]

curlyg

While, basically you are talking a lot of sense I believe that even with Superpowers Israel has ways and means to get them to understand israel's displeasure, in tangible ways that will get them to take note of it. Of course I am not advocating that Israel should do things that would cause a major rupture (unless there are very good reasons to do so).

I'll say it again, there is 'no' excuse for Israel's foreign policy makers to react to incidents in a lazy way and to just roll over. They need to actively try harder ... (I know it's not always easy)

[Kachah]

We have to realise that the alliance between Israel and the US, and likewise the alliance between Israel and India, are not a relationship between equals. That may not be politically correct to say, but the fact of the matter is that we are talking about a puny country ... on the one hand, and on the other hand the world's most powerful superpower. The relationship is asymmetric.
Not so fast, curly. Nobody claims equality of the sides, of course a billion-people India cannot equate to tiny Israel and so on.
But for the relationship to be equally valuable for both sides they don't have to be equal. They need to invest same or similar resources and extract similar or comparable value out of it. Currency exchange.
What the US invests in the relationship with Israel (and it's not much in the magnitude of the US economy) and what it gains as the result are of comparable value so the relationship is not lopsided while the sides are far from being equal.
I guess same applies to India-Israel relations (though I know much less about them). Mutual benefits obviously exist but not to the point that India would risk its relations with the Arab world. So the PM pays lipservice to the Syrian "cause", so what? I bet seeing the West's unbridled hypocrisy he probably thinks it's some internationally accepted social convention - peace process, road map, Golan heights, UN resolution etc etc. Everybody says it, nothing really happens, so what's so different this time?

[Sanket]

I bet seeing the West's unbridled hypocrisy he probably thinks it's some internationally accepted social convention

kachah,

India has the second largest Muslim population (+170 Million) & the current Gov. depends largely on Muslim vote bank. So this Gov. cannot say Pro-Israel things in open.

Our Home Minister recently said Saffron Terrorism is on the rise, just to make this Muslims happy. The same people will say terrorism has not religion 99% of the time. :stick:

Things will change only when a Hindu party comes in Power.

[Kachah]

Sanket,
I am basically saying that India cannot be blamed for unusual anti-Israeli behaviour. India has enough problems of its own, antisemitism does not appear to be one of the most acute ones.

[Reffo]

curlyg

I do agree that Israel cannot be compared with the US or India on a numeric or economic basis but I also agree with Kachah that Israel too brings a lot to the table and it has a lot to offer. Would it not be so, trust me on this, neither the US nor India would bother with Israel too much.

[curlyg]

Obviously as with any relationship we are talking about a two way street. What I am asking that we bear in mind is that Israel has much more to lose than do India or the US from a deterioration in relations. America can very easily live without Israel, but Israel cannot very easily live without America. India can get by fine without Israeli missile systems and drones, but can Israeli defence firms get by fine without Indian business?

So of course I'm not saying that Israel and these countries should agree 100% of the time on 100% of the issues so as to avoid any friction. But certainly on more or less irrelevant points there's no use raising disagreements. India has its reason for supporting the Arab states and adopting in a limited way their rhetoric, and though I'm not happy about it, I think we can and should overlook these as minor incidents. While India pays lip service to the Golan Heights, Israel and India are about to sign a Free Trade Agreement. So as far as I'm concerned the Syrians can have their hot air, and Israel can have the real advantages that come from a relationship with the future dominant power of the Indian ocean and a major global power. What's being laid down today is a foundation for a strong future relationship which will only become more and more important as time goes by.

Also though I'm not particularly well versed in Indian politics I do cross my fingers that the BJP/Hindu nationalist parties will perform well in future elections because I think in their basic worldview they share a lot with Zionism and Israel.

[Reffo]

curlyg

For the record, I do tend to agree with you that Israel would lose more if it would lose the US and/or India. Having said that, Israel would still survive albeit it's situation would get much much tougher.

But I don't even know why we got down that track because I never advocated that Israel should do anything that would cause a breakup either with the US and/or India. All I advocated, I'll say it again, that Israel should do whatever is necessary to make sure that it won't be taken for granted by friends. What do I mean by that? I mean that first and foremost Israel should let it be known to it's friends when they do something that Israel is not happy about, and if that does not help then Israel should find things to do that they are not happy about but which would not lead to a break-up yet would make them understand why Israel is doing it. Yes, this is easier said than done, yes this is brinkmanship, yes it could backfire. Nevertheless it's in Israel's interest to do a lot more of that than it has in the past. Overall, if they'll do it as it should be done, there WILL be a pay-off.

[Reffo]

Sanket,
I am basically saying that India cannot be blamed for unusual anti-Israeli behaviour. India has enough problems of its own, antisemitism does not appear to be one of the most acute ones.For the record, I don't accuse India or it's president of anti-semitism. India has an examplary record of how it treated it's Jews historically, there never was antisemitism there.

I do however disagree with you about your dismissal of the statement by the Indian president about the Golan in Syria. Such statements do damage Israel. Like I said, it encourages Israel's arch enemy, Syria. It encourages other nations to make similar statements. It encourages those who want to isolate Israel diplomatically and it diminishes the prospects of peace. And 'no' amount of dismissal "that it doesn't mean anything ..." negates the above.

[Mediocrates]

Do they really want to get in a rhetorical pissing contest about Kashmir?

[Kachah]

Reffo, I don't dismiss it. It does do damage to Israel, you are right. But the size of this damage is manageable and the damage is reversable.
What I said was that if you go to Syria in search of some benefit you will have to show your knowledge of the rules and your readiness to follow them. The rule in Syria is that they want the Golans back. They enjoy support in the UN in the form of useless resolutions and in the Western governments and liberal circles in the form of annoying yet still meaningless demands, rallies, notes and more crap like that. Now why would India do anything different? Mind you, talking about India-Israel "friendship" is at the least premature. Trade partners, good enough so far.

[Reffo]

Kachah

We don't disagree then (basically). However, I suspect that you still have reservations about my suggestion that Israel should find an effective way of conveying it's displeasure about such statements. And that if necessary, Israel should try and find incentives/disincentives which would encourage India to try to be a bit more balanced when making statements about the Middle East, in the future. Of course, I don't advocate though that Israel should 'rock the boat' so hard that it would turn over, but rather just enough to be taken notice of ...

[Kachah]

It shouldn't, adequate and reasonable reaction would suffice. We hear you from Damascus, we don't agree but as long as you are just saying it and no action follows - let's just keep trading.
After all the man is entitled to voicing his opinion.

[Reffo]

Kachah

There are opinions and there are opinions. My suspicion is that what India's president said was an appeasement of the Syrians/Arabs for political gain. Of course, had the statement been a bit more balanced, say along the line of:

As part of an overall peace agreement in which war would be renounced and after mutual recognition of borders, Israel should withdraw from the Golan
That would be more acceptable to Israel and although that's not exactly what the Syrians would want India to say, it still shouldn't have upset them either. But even if it would, so what? At least Israel should be willing to test the extent to which India would be willing to balance it's interests with the Arab world with it's budding interests with Israel. Who knows, we may get a pleasant surprise ...

But of course if we choose to just roll over and accept whatever is dished out, then why wouldn't it just be dished out ...?

[Sanket]

It does not matter what countries say about Golan till they are not using it to baclmail Israel.

Most of the western countries still support Kashmir & Israel joining them will not make a difference to India.

Right now a Separatist leader is in our Capital Delhi and he is going to give Anti-India speeches. :)

Israel must hold poll on any peace plan withdrawal after Knesset vote (http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/nov/23/israel-palestine-withdrawal-referendum)

23 November 2010


Any peace deal involving withdrawal by Israel from annexed territory in East Jerusalem or the Golan Heights will need to be ratified by a national referendum under legislation approved by the Israeli parliament late last night.

[Reffo]

Most of the western countries still support Kashmir & Israel joining them will not make a difference to India.OK Sanket, I'll say it again, I don't advocate that Israel should bring Kashmir into this whole issue. I backed off my earlier statement which I even labeled as counterproductive and stupid. Didn't you read my post? What else can I say?

As far as the Golan, I don't agree with you if you are saying that India's statement about the Golan doesn't matter. I already explained above why it DOES matter.

[Sanket]

At least Israel should be willing to test the extent to which India would be willing to balance it's interests with the Arab world with it's budding interests with Israel.....


Have u read this article ?

India's Israeli-Arab tightrope walk (http://english.aljazeera.net/focus/2010/07/2010719123045648156.html)

[Sanket]

Didn't you read my post? What else can I say?

I understand your point & i agree with it. That was for Adminullah. ;)

[Reffo]

Have u read this article ?

India's Israeli-Arab Tightrope walk (http://english.aljazeera.net/focus/2010/07/2010719123045648156.html)

Very interesting Sanket. I was aware of a lot (not necessarily all) of the above. But do you know what struck me as interesting? It's this ...


Historically, Israel has been trying to get India's friendship by helping India against Pakistan ...
India has been trying to get Arab votes by voting with the Arabs against Israel ...
The Arabs in turn tended to support their co-religionists, Pakistan, against India ...


I know it's a bit simplistic, there is more to it than that but the above does tell the basic story. So one has to wonder, isn't it about time for India to try a slightly more balanced approach with regards to the Arab Israeli conflict? Even the Al Jazeera article suggests that the Arabs would be more willing to be more balanced with regards to the India Pakistan issue because they are afraid that by not doing so, India is getting cozier with Israel? So, doesn't that suggest that it would be better for India to do more of exactly THAT, cozy up with Israel, so that the Arabs won't continue to take India for granted?

Whew, what a complicated mess. And I didn't even bring America into this confusing triangle :scratch:

[Sanket]

http://photo.outlookindia.com/images/gallery/20101124/magen_david_20101206.jpg

The renovated Magen David synagogue (Source - Outlook (http://www.outlookindia.com/printarticle.aspx?268190))



Synagogue in Mumbai reopens during Chanukah (http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_synagogue-in-mumbai-reopens-during-chanukah_1474774)

Dec 1, 2010,

The Magen David Synagogue in Byculla that was partly shut for repairs will open on Wednesday after over a year-and-a-half. December 1 marks the date of the nine-day Chanukah festival of lights that is celebrated by Jews.

The synagogue, largest in the city, was built by the Sasoon dynasty in 1861 for the Baghdadi Jews.
....
The present renovation cost Rs90 lakh and it was paid by an American Jew Moshe Levy, who is in the city promoting his security business. His company looks after the security of Mumbai airport and nuclear plants in US.

From Outlook (http://www.outlookindia.com/printarticle.aspx?268190)


Levy is well known in the Jewish world both as a philanthropist and a man of action. One of only five men awarded the title Hero of Israel, he saved many soldiers in an extreme and rare act of heroism when they were caught in an ambush during the Yom Kippur War in 1973 on the Egyptian front. He himself lost his right arm and was critically injured: even today, his survival is considered to be a medical miracle.

[Sanket]

Reffo,

Read this US embassy cables: Mumbai conspiracy allegations 'outrageous' – US ambassador (http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/184566)

U will understand our vote bank politics. :((

[Reffo]

Sanket

Yes, I do understand that politics is a dirty business (everywhere). I must admit I don't know much about politics in India but it seems to me that over the years, the Congress party has been dominant. Is it for historical reasons? Or are there other factors as well?

[Sanket]

^ Historical reasons....They ruled India nearly 50 years & they have complete control over Education, Media, etc.

-------------
Press release : BJP President, Shri Nitin Gadkariji's six-day goodwill visit to Israel (http://www.bjp.org/content/view/3736/394/)


The BJP President Nitin Gadkari has underscored the urgent need for India and Israel to enhance cooperation in combating the menace of terrorism and further promoting joint ventures in the field of agriculture, water management, irrigation, dairy products and other agro-based industries.

Mr. Gadkari, who is on a six-day goodwill visit to Israel along with a BJP delegation ", said the Indian states facing the Maoist and Naxal violence could benefit from the Israeli homeland security systems which have very advanced technology and sophisticated equipment.

Speaking after the presentations given by the homeland security services organizations, Mr. Gadkari said he has advised these homeland security services to organize special presentations in India for the states of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Bihar which are facing the challenge of Maoist and Naxal violence.

....

Speaking at a reception hosted in his honour by the Israel-India Friendship Association and the Marathi Jewish Community in Israel, Mr. Gadkari said his goodwill visit was aimed at promoting political level dialogue as well as people to contact between the two countries.

He said the friendly relations between India and Israel have been making steady progress and the two countries have expanded the areas of mutual cooperation in various fields including the high technology.

During the last two days, the BJP president has visited some joint venture research and development projects in homeland security, agriculture, water management and irrigation.

Several delegations of Israeli trade and industry have also called on Mr. Gadkari evincing keen interest in joint ventures in the field of agro-based industries, water management, dairy products and irrigation facilities in the BJP ruled states.

Mr. Gadkari is scheduled to have meetings with political leadership of Israel and an interaction with the Israel-India Parliamentary Friendship League tomorrow.

India and Israel have a Joint Working Group on counter-terrorism that meets periodically to review the situation in the two regions and to share strategies to counter-terrorist moves. The two countries are also at an advance stage of concluding a formal free trade agreement for a two way arrangement that would give Indian companies access to the Israeli high technology sector and Israel access to Indian domestic market.

[Reffo]

Sanket

Count me in as a supporter of the BJP.

[Kachah]

Hey, Sanket, what abouit Narendra Modi, does he still command popular support? I absolutely admired him in dealing with the horrible train burning disaster and overall anti-terrorism and anti-moslem stand as very few politicians would dare today. He is a good man.

[Sanket]

Hey, Sanket, what abouit Narendra Modi, does he still command popular support?

I think he will be India's next Prime Minister. :) He is not Anti-Muslim. He does not like appeasement politics.

[Kachah]

...He is not Anti-Muslim. He does not like appeasement politics.Sure. We all love them. 2002 in Gujarat was all about manifestation of this love.
In fact, the Indians today are probably holding the second place in moslem killings - after the Moslems of course.

[Sanket]

Sure. We all love them. 2002 in Gujarat was all about manifestation of this love.

Our entire English Media, Left-Lib. & p-seculars blamed him for the Post-Godhra riots without any proof.

Last week Supreme Court investigation gave a clean chit to Modi & one NGO person was arrested. :p

Muslims in Gujarat also vote for Modi, thats way i said Modi will be our Next Prime Minister. :cool:



In fact, the Indians today are probably holding the second place in moslem killings - after the Moslems of course.

lets compare % wise :D

[Sanket]

kachah,

Send me a message. Dont reply here. Thanks :)

[Kachah]

Gujarat is doing quite well economically, that's probably why.
Anyway, the rumor has it that after the train burning there was an unspoken agreement in the cabinet not to fight the rioters off at least for a while - but apparently no proof was found to this effect.
In terms of % - it's not as meaningful as the fact that India is not as much constrained by political correctness and fake multiculturalism as the West and reacts with more extrajudicial justice.... it can get hideous but it's natural popular reaction.

[Sanket]

RSS-BJP 'hatred' of Muslims like that of Nazis for Jews: Senior Congress Leader Digvijay (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/RSS-BJP-hatred-of-Muslims-like-that-of-Nazis-for-Jews-Digvijay/articleshow/7128216.cms)


Another low for our Congress. I dont think in any other country, politicians will fall so low to gain few muslim votes!

[Sanket]

The Embassy of Israel in an official statement has said that no comparison can be made with the Nazi holocaust in which six million Jews were massacred. (http://ibnlive.in.com/news/cant-compare-rss-with-nazis-israel/137958-37-64.html)

[Mediocrates]

http://elderofziyon.blogspot.com/2010/12/heres-little-indian-muslim-anti.html

From the Milli Gazette (http://www.milligazette.com/news/238-terrorism-will-stop-only-when-jews-stop-their-war-on-muslims), described as "Indian Muslims' Leading Newspaper", some garden-variety anti-semitism:


President Obama and other Western leaders are repeatedly asking the Muslims to stop “terrorism” so that they can call off their “war on terrorism”.

There is lot of hypocrisy on this newly popularised term “terrorism”. The Western war on terrorism is nothing but a war on Muslims – plain and simple.

This war is nothing but a zionist conspiracy carried out by the Western Christian leadership at the behest of Jews.

This is because all the Western Christian countries are controlled by the Jews with the help of their money power, media and Christian stooges.

Even a child knows it.

Muslims refused to be fooled: It is the American Jews, who control that country and managed Obama election. It is they who managed to make him utter sweet words to Muslims at Cairo and elsewhere.

But the Muslims refused to be fooled. The Jewish engineered war on Muslims in Afghanistan and Iraq resulted in disastrous defeat for US.

Obama later tried to fool the Muslims on Palestine. But here also he failed because the zionist Jews are not prepared to budge even an inch on Palestine.

Any amount of his pouring milk to the serpent is no use. Serpent will continue to bite Obama.

China on the top of the world: Western Christian leaders, led by the US which is controlled by its 2% Jews, are defeated in their war on terror. The Jews with their monopoly over the media, have launched a hurricane of Islamophobia. But nothing is working.

The disgusted Jews got Obama defeated in the recent Congressional elections. Nor are they giving any opportunity to him to succeed in Palestine.It keeps going but this is the gist of it. When Obama wins, it is because of the Jews. Then he does the bidding of the Jews. Then they get disgusted at how poorly he is acting as their puppet and they defeat him.

Insane ramblings, true, but these ramblings represent at least a portion of Indian Muslims - of which there are some 140 million. Even if only one in five Indian Muslims believe this garbage, they outnumber the Jews of the world by a wide margin.

This endemic Jew-hatred among mainstream Muslims is still rarely addressed in the Western media, as they concentrate on more polished Muslims' public statements that they are only against "Zionists," not Jews. But scratch the surface and you can see that a great portion of the Muslim world makes no such distinctions, and never have.

[Sanket]

Insane ramblings, true, but these ramblings represent at least a portion of Indian Muslims - of which there are some 140 million. Even if only one in five Indian Muslims believe this garbage, they outnumber the Jews of the world by a wide margin.

But but those 140 Million are surrounded by 700 Million Yindoos working for Joos. :p

[Sanket]

State planning semiconductor tech transfer MoU with Israel (http://www.deccanherald.com/content/133645/state-planning-semiconductor-tech-transfer.html)

Jan31 - Israel’s OCS oversees government sponsored support of R&D catalysing development of innovative state-of-the-art technologies. The MoU, which is in its final stages, official sources told Deccan Herald, will see two-way transfer of technology in the semiconductor space between Israel and Karnataka.

[Sanket]

Indo-Israel vegetable centre set up in Haryana
(http://www.sify.com/finance/indo-israel-vegetable-centre-set-up-in-haryana-news-default-lbnnEfhcifc.html)


New Delhi, Jan 13 (IANS) Continuing the cooperation between India and Israel in the field of agriculture, the first Indo-Israel Centre of Excellence for vegetables will be inaugurated in Haryana's Gharaunda town next week.

The vegetables centre project, under which both the countries will share technology and undertake protected cultivation of various vegetables, including tomatoes, cucumbers and capsicum, has been set up at Gharaunda town in Karnal district, 145 km from the state capital Chandigarh.

The objective behind the Centre of Excellence is to provide live demonstration of Israeli agricultural technology and know-how to the farmers of Haryana, a spokesperson of the Israeli embassy added.

[Sanket]

Andhra to tie-up with Israel (http://www.sify.com/finance/andhra-to-tie-up-with-israel-news-default-lb1vkfffgig.html)


Hyderabad, Jan 27 (IANS) Andhra Pradesh will shortly sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Israeli government to promote start-ups and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in IT and IT enabled services (ITES) sectors, state IT Minister Ponnala Lakshmaiah announced Thursday.

'We are waiting for the clearance from the government of India and hope to sign the MoU soon,' the minister told reporters here.

[Sanket]

Andhra to tie-up with Israel (http://www.sify.com/finance/andhra-to-tie-up-with-israel-news-default-lb1vkfffgig.html)


Hyderabad, Jan 27 (IANS) Andhra Pradesh will shortly sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Israeli government to promote start-ups and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in IT and IT enabled services (ITES) sectors, state IT Minister Ponnala Lakshmaiah announced Thursday.

'We are waiting for the clearance from the government of India and hope to sign the MoU soon,' the minister told reporters here.

[Sanket]

India tops Asia tourism to Israel (http://www.etravelblackboardasia.com/article.asp?id=73535&nav=109)

Tuesday, 22 February 2011

India topped Korea in 2010, with the highest number of visitors from the Asian region into Israel last year.

After several years in the top spot, Korea was replaced by the 40,000 Indians who travelled to Israel in 2010, an increase of 75 percent compared to 2009, Globes reported.

Indian tourists were also the biggest spenders with an average of $1,364, outranking the average tourist expenditure in Israel of $1.091.

[Sanket]

Israel to invest Rs 40,000 cr in MP (http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/israel-to-invest-rs-40000-cr-in-mp/125779/on)
Press Trust of India / Bhopal February 15, 2011, 13:01 IST


Israel has evinced interest to make a whopping investment of nearly Rs 40,000 crore in sectors like agriculture, horticulture, aquaculture and dairy in Madhya Pradesh.

"A team of Indo-Israel Chamber of Commerce led by Embassy of Israel Economic Counsellor Mouneer Agbariya recently met state government officials and showed interest to invest nearly Rs 40,000 crore in Madhya Pradesh," PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry State Director Rajendra Kothari told PTI today.

40K Crore is nearly 8 Billion $$$. I think the numbers are wrong.

[Sanket]

New Israeli envoy to India appointed
PTI | 02:03 AM,Mar 09,2011

Jerusalem, Mar 9 (PTI) The Israeli cabinet has approved the appointment of Alon Ushpiz as the new envoy to New Delhi. Ushpiz is currently serving as Director (Coordination) in the office of the Foreign Ministry's Director General. He has served as a policy advisor to several former Israeli foreign ministers, including Benjamin Netanyahu, the current Prime Minister, Shimon Peres, the current President of State of Israel, David Levy, Shlomo Ben-Ami and Silvan Shalom. A Hebrew University graduate in International relations and Japanese studies, Ushpiz, served as Political Secretary in the Israeli mission in Tokyo between 1995 and 1999. Among other prominent assignments during his diplomatic career, he served as Minister for Congressional Affairs at the Embassy of Israel in Washington between 1999 and 2003. The new Israeli envoy is expected to replace Mark Sofer in the summer of this year.

[Sanket]

Israel polishing its image — and its hardware — in India (http://www.thehindu.com/news/the-india-cables/the-cables/article1551341.ece)
Wikileaks

Classified By: PolCouns Ted Osius for Reasons 1.4 (B,D)

1. (C) SUMMARY. The recent strategic dialogue between Israel and India, while not producing any new agreements, was viewed as a positive step at greater cooperation and coordination between the two countries. Israel is taking steps to create a shinier image of itself as a friend of the Indian people, to match its image as India,s premier supplier of defense technology. In the long term, Israel hopes to counter the effects of the Left,s recently increasing attacks on the Indian government,s closer ties to Israel. END SUMMARY.

STRATEGIC DIALOGUE

----------

2. (C) In a March 25 meeting, Israeli Deputy Chief of Mission Eli Belotsercovsky provided Poloffs with a readout of the March 10-11 India-Israel Strategic Dialogue. Belotsercovsky reported that although there were no announcements of new agreements or initiatives, Israel sees the fact that the dialogue took place in a cordial atmosphere as a sign of a healthy relationship. Additional Secretary (Political and International Organizations) Vivek Katju led the Indian delegation, which Belotsercovsky indicated was a pleasingly high level as far as Israel was concerned, and led discussions focused on Iran and nuclear non-proliferation in the region, Central Asia, Afghanistan, energy and the economy. Belotsercovsky cited dialogue on the issues of financing of narcotrafficking and money laundering as being particularly ripe for future cooperation. An added benefit of the discussions being held in Tel Aviv was increased awareness of India with a sector of the Israeli bureaucracy that heretofore didn,t know much about India.

POSITIVE VIBES, BUT DEARTH OF ISRAEL INFO AMONG INDIANS

----------

3. (C) Turning to Israel-India ties in general, Belotsercovsky told Poloffs that Israel was viewed more favorably by the Indian public than in the past, and that the Israeli government was taking steps to capitalize on the improved image. In focus groups in Delhi and Mumbai conducted by the Israeli Embassy, Indians regardless of status generally held favorable views of Israel, Belotsercovsky said, but had very limited knowledge about the country, even among educated professionals. The focus groups, results show that most Indians do not have enough information to possess a good understanding of Israel but view Israel overall as a friend to the Indian people. Belotsercovsky noted that their polling suggested many Indians actually see Israel as a model for dealing with Muslims, something the Israeli Embassy makes efforts to downplay. ;)

INDIAN LEFTISTS OPPOSE CLOSER INDO-ISRAELI TIES

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4. (C) Belotsercovsky said the purpose of conducting the public opinion research was to improve Israel,s image in the India public while at the same time limiting attempts by India,s Left parties to demonize Israel and counter its bitter rhetoric at Indo-Israeli cooperation on defense. Belotsercovsky postulated the Left,s anti-Israel attacks were more frequent and voracious than any other time since formalization of relations in 1990.

5. (C) P R Kumaraswamy, a professor at New Delhi,s Jawaharlal Nehru University, in a separate conversation with Poloff, agreed with Belotsercovsky,s assessment, saying that in the past decade, India,s Communist parties have criticized the government,s strategic ties with Israel and judge this as a betrayal of the Palestinians and harmful to India's interests. According to Kumaraswamy, Leftists even argued that closer military ties were the result of the ""anti-Muslim agenda"" of Israel and the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He noted that since December 2007, the parties of the Left, and Indian Muslims, have used the occasion of India,s successful launch of a remote sensing satellite to lob a fresh barrage of vitriol at the UPA-led government, claiming that &India is aiding the military efforts of Israel8 and that the government is showing &unforgivable insensitivity to the Palestinians and Iran.8 NEW DELHI 00000892 002 OF 002

6. (C) Despite the Left,s critiques, Belotsercovsky pointed out that bilateral ties, buoyed by defense trade, are vibrant. The Indian government is the largest purchaser of Israeli arms, and Israel, already India,s second largest arms supplier, could surpass Russia soon for the top spot. A few days after he publicly informed parliament of the USD 1.4 billion Barak missile cooperation with Israel in July 2007, Indian Defense Minister A K Antony told Indian media, ""Successive governments since 1992 have had defense ties with Israel. This is not new. And the relation is not ideological, but purely based on our security requirements.""

COMMENT: WE CAN LEARN FROM THE ISRAELIS, SUCCESS IN INDIA

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7. (C) Comment: Israel appears to have some problems identical to--and other problems that are the opposite of)-those the U.S. has in India: Whereas the U.S. polls positively with the Indian public on a regular basis yet still butts against entrenched skepticism in the bureaucracy towards closer relations with the USG, Israel faces a huge knowledge gap among the public yet sees India,s government comfortably dismiss the Left,s criticism of its launch of Israel,s satellites and its skyrocketing purchases of Israeli defense technology. We will remain engaged with the Israeli Embassy and follow whether its public relations strategy to win hearts and minds has any success in swaying the general public while defusing attacks from India,s Left. Israel,s success in this area could yield strategies for the USG,s own efforts at bridging the gap between the Indian public,s enthusiasm and the government,s skepticism of the U.S. Meanwhile, Belotsercovsky said that Israel welcomes increased Indian participation in the peace process, and is urging India to contribute to concrete projects and more people-to-people exchanges. If India and Israel, two of the strongest democracies in Asia, are able to solidify their relationship and move beyond missiles and satellites, that could be good news for U.S. interests between Tel Aviv and New Delhi. End comment.

MULFORD

[Sanket]

Haryana Chief Minister impressed with Israeli horticulture (http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Hooda-impressed-with-Israeli-horticulture/776444/)
Fri Apr 15 2011, 02:21 hrs

Haryana government will expand the base of Indo-Israel co-operation and import those varieties of citrus from Israel that are suitable for Haryana and also boost stagnant yield of mango fruit with the help of Israeli experts. This was stated by Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, who accompanied by Israeli experts visited orchards of citrus, mango and olive in Israel today.

[American4Israel]

Hi, Sanket

I see that you're the only one who's been posting here lately, so I dropped in to say hello, and to say that I learned from your posts. I know very little about India. Israel seems to be making inroads in the states and among the people, and this is good. It would be nice if the Indian government would actually vote in favor of Israel once in a while in the UN; but I suppose that's asking too much. It's better for Israel to have discreet friends, than to have boastful enemies like the United States (namely, Barack Obama). India and Israel seem to have a perfect fit for one another: they have no antagonistic issues between them, and they share common enemies among the Moslems. Israel has defense systems; India has land to base them on. Israel has technology; India has a market for it.

Israel's such a tiny country, and India's so large; that it's almost comical to hear about Indian Moslems and Communists who think India and other countries are endangered by "Israeli conspiracies". Oh well. Whenever a Jew feels beaten down, he just needs to listen to some of the enemy propaganda about what a superpower Israel is. In the meantime, they make a good trading partner.

[Sanket]

^ Thanks

Israel's such a tiny country, and India's so large; that it's almost comical to hear about Indian Moslems and Communists who think India and other countries are endangered by "Israeli conspiracies".

Vote Bank Politics... Anyways i blame Muslims because they blindly believe their Stupid Mullahs....Muslims themselves are keeping Muslims backward using this CT's....Its same almost everywhere.

[sid]

I think India has a very balanced role to play in Middle east...it will not change its policies towards arab countries, but at the same time continue to grow the tie with israel, because that where the real friendship lies.

[sid]

India and Israel come together in Jerusalem

Agreeing to set the agenda for the next decade, India [ Images ] and Israel on Monday came together to raise a toast to each other with Israeli President Shimon Peres saying that India is the greatest democracy on earth and that Tel Aviv was following New Delhi [ Images ] with "great care and interest".

In his welcome address to External Affairs Minister S M Krishna [ Images ], who arrived in Jerusalem on Monday on a two-day visit, Peres called Mahatma Gandhi [ Images ] a "prophet" and former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru [ Images ] a "king".

Peres set the ball rolling by saying, "For us India is first of all a culture. Then it is for us the greatest democracy on earth and then the unbelievable achievement of overcoming poverty without becoming poor in freedom."

Peres also said he wishes India would become permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.

Talking about poverty, Peres said there is lot of poverty in the region "and by changing politics you don't necessarily change the situation".

His statement comes in the backdrop of the Arab Spring that has rocked the Middle East politics.

"India was fortunate that it had two great and unforgettable leaders -- one was a prophet and the other one was a king. The combination of Gandhi and Nehru is the most unusual," he said.

Peres, who has visited India twice since diplomatic relations between the two countries was set 20 years ago, said, "We are following India with great care and interest, not just in the political sense but being a citizen of the world, we think that without India and China hunger would govern the world".

Krishna complimented back on by calling Peres "a statesman of caliber".

He said only a few other such people are left in the world.

Krishna credited Israel for being an inspiration for India becoming self -sufficient in food production.

The minister recalled Peres' visit to India in 1992 and also in 2002 and credited him for setting up the agenda for strengthening the relations between the two countries.

"I think it's about time for the leadership of both the countries to set the agenda for the coming decade. So I think it is in that spirit that I have come here," he said.

Talking about the wars that Israel has fought, reference of which was made by Peres first in his address, Krishna said Israel has emerged stronger.

"I think it was those wars that have strengthened your nation. I think you have emerged as a stronger nation after every war. I think the entire world looks to you with great respect," Krishna said.

The minister said he was very happy that relationship between India and Israel has spread to so many areas.

"We look forward to continued bilateral relationship...politically there are no problems as such. Now I think the economic content has to become more assertive and the economic content has to keep growing."

http://www.rediff.com/news/report/india-and-israel-come-together-in-jerusalem/20120109.htm