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Antony's Israel visit

Antony's Israel visit

Author: Editorial
Publication: The Pioneer
Date: November 8, 2007

It could mark a new chapter in relations

The proposed visit of Defence Minister AK Antony to Israel will, apart from underscoring the strategic relationship between the two countries, send out the right political message to Tel Aviv. For far too long New Delhi has been shy to acknowledge that Israel is a major supplier of India's defence requirements -- it's second after Russia -- and, more important, a reliable partner which has stood by us at our time of need. Recall the crucial supplies that were made by Israel, virtually overnight, during the Kargil war and you will realise just how reliable it has been. It also needs to be acknowledged that unlike other traditional suppliers of weapons and accessories, Israel has also been transferring high-end technology: The Barak missile is only one example. Understandably, much of the details have been kept under wraps, as they should be, since defence procurement and supplies are not meant for public disclosure as that would compromise national security. But that does not preclude India's owning up to its relationship with a friendly nation, which it has been reluctant to do on account of New Delhi's outdated policy on Arab nations. The blame for this must lie with our politicians, who continue to live in a different world, and bureaucrats in South Block who are yet to reorient their thinking to match it with rapidly shifting geo-political realities. Ironically, even as Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia, are redrafting their Israel policy, India remains caught in a time-warp, its duplicitous policy-makers seeking to play both sides without convincing either that its intentions are honest and genuine. Hopefully, the visit by Mr Antony, if it does take place, will mark the beginning of a new chapter, removing niggling doubts in Tel Aviv and forcing babus in our Foreign Office to discard their time-worn policy of disowning any linkages with Israel. This would only contribute to a relationship that is clearly to our advantage.

While Mr Antony is expected to review ongoing defence cooperation projects, including those in which the Defence Research and Development Organisation is involved along with its Israeli counterpart, he would do well to explore the possibility of expanding the ambit of technology transfer, especially for electronic accessories that could provide our forces with a cutting edge in conventional and non-conventional warfare. For instance, Israel has mastered the art of electronic surveillance and radar detection. Not only does enhanced Israeli technology ensure better real time information for security forces, but it also helps reduce needless expenditure on outmoded forms of collecting, collating and processing information. This, in turn, frees up resources for other areas of security operations that are heavily dependent on human resources. For instance, India could ensure better and more effective border security if it were to opt for Israeli technology that is being used for the security fence which is largely dependent on electronic components and not on deployment of soldiers. A similar hi-tech fence along the Line of Control or the India-Bangladesh border would not only prevent infiltration but also enable a reduction in the deployment of troops. Israel has demonstrated that its fence, which is mostly constructed of wire-mesh and largely unmanned, is an excellent deterrent and has helped halt suicide bombings. Can we try their sensors and electronic eyes, used along the fence, to keep jihadis at bay? With India fast becoming a frontline state in the war against terror, it would be worth the effort.


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