Report: India, Israel to jointly develop $2.47b. missile system

I SUPPORT India-Israel friendship. Long live Hindu-Jew friendship and together wipe out Islamic terrorism

Dear Yitzhak, Dont worry to explain to Ravi or other muslims who are using Hindu or Indian aliases. As an Indian, I strongly support Israel and Israelis. Israel was existing even before arabs lived there. Israel has the right to neutralize any country that vows to threaten the existence of it. I salute the guts of Israelis and their brilliant brains.

Ravi - I dont think you are Indian or anti-India Muslim supporting Pakistan. No Hindu opposes friendship with Israel. I support Israel and its people. I support friendship with Israel and if you don't like, please leave India and go to Pakistan or wherever you want.

make 100% partnership with israel ,that is best way to be a powerful country .

To all our Israeli friends reading this article. Let us beware of false flag posts on this forum. I can bet a million bucks that people Ravi, Laxmi and Ram are either: 1. Indian Muslim sympathsizers of Pakistan/Palestine 2. Pakis Their names are not the kind of names that Indians have anymore. "Ravi", "Laksmi" and "Ram" Also, they like to use the name of Hindu gods and godesses because that is the only thing they know about Hinduism. The way they talk, the views they express are just not how Indians do it. Real Indians, have utmost respect and admiration for Israel and it is evident from the posts of real Indians like Anurag Rao, Srinivasan, Mahesh, Subash, Prashant,Bharath, Karthik.

I just wish India were as competent as Israel in dealing with muslim extremists. I am glad that we are developing long overdue ties with Israel to battle modern-day Islamo-fascism

hello people of israel people in my city fully supports frienship with israel.there is absolutely no issues with .Infact we should sign free trade with israel and include more item to trade and exchange knowledege and students to each other country . We should encourage more people to people contact and share cultural events.Also want more israeli education institution setup here and tie ups. long live israeli and india friendship. bye!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PAKISTANIS AND IRANIANS DONT POST AS INDIANS

UN is an insignificant player on the world stage, and is a the laughing stock of the global community. It might be an important forum for African countries but Israel and India are influential enough to garner support without the U.N.

Can Israel and India make a missile technology which can identify muslim terrorists and crack their as*? This should engage multi target at same time

This guy is not Ravi which is looks like hindu name means SUN. Actually he is ..PAKI ravi is river there.

I can say with almost certainty than anybody posting here 'using' hindu names like Ram , Lakshimi etc., is not a hindu. Infact in all probability that person is a pakistani masquarading as Indian to create confusion. Please ignore any comments from people like Ram and Lakshmi. Long live the cooperation between Yehudis and Indians !!!

We should be grateful to Israel, Its helping us in bolstering our defences, Israel has one of the advanced Military Industries, we in India are benefitting from their know hows and technology. Though we dont endorse thier position in middle east of occupation.

"(India) represent(s) a market of 1.5 billion consumers. what does the miniscule Israel offer?" The project is for protecting India's strategic assets, which I believe, includes its 1.5 b people. Yet to hear humans developing abilities to "consume" a missile system. I mean, the Israelis are good but no that good that they can eat up explosive material, right? "strange, when many western nations are desengaging with Israel through the boycott policies." Oh, you mean, like, ahh, umm, sheessh, let me think...oh what the heck, I am stupid! You tell me specifically the MANY western nations and their boycotts. Unless you mean nations at the near-immediate west of India. "I wont be surprised if the Indian gov vehemently deny this absurd news." Gee, I didn't know the The Times of India and the Economic Times are bollywood gossip tabloids.

india is just playing its cards right, to be honest they are in a very tight corner....obviously russia a good option for them, militarily especially, because with russia the chinesse problem can be toned down and in the near future even worked out.....india has to show some love to israel just to show the european elites that it "cares" and wants to have a relationship with israel.....on paper india is playing their own agenda, as they should, and time should tell how all things will play out

Bravo, After fifty years of Independence Indian think tank finally arrived to develop this missile system with Israel.Keep this news secret yaar the communistparty in India going to make a mess on this.

The Jews behind all the civil strife in this world the Jews are behind the suffering of the nations.ask Britain what it did to the Jews in the early sixth century.what they did to the Jews???they expelled them tortured them, and prevented them from entering Britain for more than 300years .all this was because of what the Jews did in Britain .ask France what it did to the Jews .they tortured them ,expelled them and burned them their Talmud ,because of the civil strife the Jews wanted to spark in France ,in the days of Louis XIX .Ask Portugal what it did to the Jews .ask Czarist Russia which welcomed the Jews who then plotted to kill Czar so he massacred them.but dont ask Germany what it did to the Jews .it was the Jews who provoked Nazism to wage war against the entire world the Jews using the Zionist movement ,got other countries to wage an economic war on Germany and to boycott German merchandise .they provoked Russia Britain ,France and Italy .India be careful from Jews

Thriving relations between both countries is win win satiation for both.Finally India is recognizing its friends from foes.India unsuccessfully tried to please arabs and muslims from more than half century and its about time to move on.

Hindus are cognate languages both belonging to the Indo European family of languages.In Sankrit Manas means Mind.What does Manos mean in Greek ? Your post about israel and india. I recommend that you look at my post(87) to Anubhav.i want to add to that:India does not need more militarisation and our needs are adequately met by Russia,now China and Iran.If you look at my post to ravi,quite early on in this thread you will find a link to Nicola Nasser's article on India's Palestine policy. Gives an overview from 1948 to the present time.Most interesting!

extension of colonial policy.It is also the ongoing liberation struggle of the Palestinians,which finds an echo in all of us who went through our own liberation struggle from colonial rule.How the Palestinians achieve it depends on israel also.When the Indian freedom strugle began around 1885 the British had already evolved liberal democratic values which the freedom fighters could hold them to.There is a correspondence between Gandhi and Martin Buber where Gandhi asks MB why the jews could not use non-violence with Hitler.MB answered that it would not have worked.So,you see the adversary's nature also determines the nature of the struggle.

For those who question the convergence of strategic interests between india and isreal, the present congress government started out with great deal of mistrust in procuring weapon systems from israel ( the communist allies didn't help either). Three years later we've just signed our biggest arms deal yet with israel. The general polity does feel a bit letdown when arab countries toed pakistan line in issuing declaration after declaration on Kashmir without ever bothering to see other party point of view. The arabs worked hard to lose indian public support for their causes by funding and giving protection to jihadis. Since mid 90s and especially since 2000s the indian public but for a minority sees israel as a friend and if israelis keep their dealings straight , they will find a trustworthy friend in india.

Be careful. Don't get too enthusiastic. India has always sided with the Arabs- and will continue to do so in an effort to get Muslim support to keep Pakistan in line. India has tried to attend Islamic conferences on the basis that it has the largest Muslim population in the world. At the end of the day, India will not side with Israel. Doing business with them requires "Linkage" in the diplomatic realm. Otherwise, let them shop elsewhere.

I would very much doubt that Indian Hindus are upset with an India/Israel alliance.

in its defence strategy with America.As a sovereign country it will have ties with all nations,especially on the economic front and that includeds israel and other arab countries.Recently we signed an industrial deal with the saudis.Since 1948 when we opposed UN Res.181 partitioning historic Palestine we have expressed support for the Palestinian liberation struggle.In 1967 our rep at the U.N. Arthur Lall called for israel to withdraw from ALL occupied territory.This is what the Arab Initiative is calling for also.Last week there was a conference in New Delhi,on India's relations with the Arab countries,where Amr Mouusa of the Arab League sent his message.It focussed on India-Palestine relations also.The new configuration is:resurgent Europe,emerging arab power,iran,Russia-India-China.

India and Israel need to expand their military relationship. They are 2 frontline states, not in the same region but in the wider region, who are surrounded by islamic fanatical militant expansion. I am not Indian or Israeli, I am a Greek, but I can see that this is a good step, which the article points out.

This is slightly off topic but I live in a Canadian city with a large Indian population, and I can tell you that the vast majority of the Indians I know have a strong admiration for Israel. One Indian told me India and Israel have much in common, gaining independence at about the same time, having hostile Muslim neighbours, large Muslim minorities and other similarities. These people have told me millions of Indians admire the way Israel has been able to survive against the odds.

At first they were going to call it teh LAKSHMI, but all it ever did in tests was go consistently off-target. New working name is: IRANlikehell.

Thank you for your posting. You are the 1st person to mention about Israeli agricultural specialties. Right from the rebirth of Israel the people have studied their land and resources and found ways to make the desert give life. Just recently I learned about Israelis teaching the Chinese how to irrigate their drylands in conjunction with the cleaning up of their major polluted rivers. The system is based on the weeping irrigation lines invented in Israel. Too bad so many people here are always ready to badmouth and eradicate this small country with so much more potential for good than bad. Is it not about time to put pressure on the Palestinians to make a peace agreement with Israel rather than constantly beating down on the Israelis side of the coin.

the last thing India should do is to let its defence be dependent on a supply that could be controlled by America. India should continue its military engagements with Russia. though Israel and India face similiar problems, America can never be trusted. In fact I wonder whether Americans themselves can trust their establishments. its the same America that sent its navy to threaten India in the 1971 war, and Soviets had to send their submarine fleet in the Bay of Bengal to counter. India should concentrate on mending things with China and strengthen its relations with Russia. India should collaborate on everything else with Israel and give support to it against those sundry bigotted motions in the UN dished out by the islamic countries. a piece of advice to thinkers in Israel. please start working on making strong relations with Russia nd China. They r the only non-multi-cultural nations left, and the next/current powers. America n Europe r gonna go down the multi-cultural drain soon.

You reminded all of us that India voted against partitionin 1947. Things change and I wonder if India would have changed their mind since 1947. Partitioning and remaking of borders has been going on since ancient man and wild animal have been on the earth. Animals fight with one another and man-kind has wars. The middle east has been carved up many times. Most recent as a result of the end of the Ottoman empire and WW2. The Palestinians can TALK with words to get a homeland or they can fight a war to achieve it. It's their choice

And yes it is a just beginning of strong relation ship between Israel and India because we are facing with same enemies. Long life to India and Israel

India and Israel will jointly develop a new generation of surface-to-air missiles in a $2.47 billion project.......being India one of the countries that voted at the United Nations against the creation of the State of Israel this is not a bad news at all !

see my post to ravi(9).Re:someone who posted that they have Gujarati alliances in the U.S.Gujaratis in the U.S. tend not to be very educated or enlightened and are concerned only with making a lot of money,which,ofcourse you can do in the U.S.(and not only there!)if you toe the line.They do not reflect Indian public opinion,which is very pro Palestine,where it has not been hijacked by exteme fundamentalist Hindus.I recommend the Nicola Nasser article(Post 9) so you don't get too carried away.India is an emerging economic giant and does not need israel.It's the other way about.Not sure what the poster from Mumbai(if he is not a fake poster,of which we have quite a few thanks to one childishe fellow;many have noticed that phenomenon)what he meant by talking about agriculture which India has known about for centuries,and Indian agricultural experts are among the best in the world.Nothing that israel needs to teach usThis post is suspect,anyway.Re: militarism.Kiss of death.

Ravi Lakshmi is simply an islamist, and is irritating people ere. He is very prolific, but short on reality. I am in India, quite often, and the changes in the past 25 years are all positive. The school for Dalit girls in Bangalore, was a first step. The mandatory spaces in both the civil service, and universities, are also a credit to your nation. Israel and India have a common enemy. It is not the general muslim population. Simply the lunatic fringe, like the poseurs here.

nice to see

Two old civilizations, Bharat and Israel, two young nations, sharing their technologies and resources, this is great!!!

Ram#25 For ur info the Islamic extremists targeted us before our relations with Israel took off and will do so irrespective of them. If we start surrendering our foreign policy to every nut case that shows up with a bomb strapped to his waist we will have no option but to turn India into a Islamic country ? but then that will probably not help either because they have no problems killing their own. By the way I remember our ?friend? Yasser Arafat saying that we may be his friends but the Pakis were his brothers.

I think, it is good move. The foreign policy has changed with changing time and circumstances. There was peroid in the late 80's when pakistan ISI activities were still in their infantile, when India supported palestine (late, Rajiv Gandhi). However, after the jehadhi or whatever movement from the muslim community both from pakistan and traitors, anti-national,unwanted citizens of india (burden on india, frankly),from within the country (India), It is imperative to not only to improve the bilateral relationship but also to improve the strategic relationship with israel. Maybe perhaps, lead the relation to an extent that Israel is our side at the time of war , when facing china (Who knows). Anyway, for all those muslims, posing as Hindus and Jews, sorry, one cannot pretend for too long!

There is only on language on earth whose native speakers have a propensity to make 'Moise''s transfer error - namely associating the definite article with places , as in ( the...Israel ). This language is ........Arabic. Anyone suprised ?????.

Any relationship which will help India become stronger, powerfull, and Self Sufficient is a welcome move. Israel can help India not only in Missile technology but can teach us how to do agriculture in a land which is not fertile to grow plants.

Israel is a natural business partner because of Israel's world-class university system and high level of academics. I don't think that can really be said of the arab world. There might be pockets of academia in the arab world, but it's really seen as a fairly 3rd world type of place. Perhaps the enlightened arabs in their respective would like to change that image, remove the shackles of Islam, and actually join the rest of the world in the 21st century. I fear that the most vocal of islamists are the ones who call the shots and not the people who actually have the brainpower to ally themselves to other civilized nations. Let's hope those voices can rise up and the resistance can emerge. Resist the islamic empire.

India is coming to realise that there arnt any great benefits in pandering to Muslim demands regarding Israel . India and Israel are a match made in Heaven India has never persecuted Jews. Hindus have never seen Jews as a threat to them and have always shown great respect and warmth .

Sam: I am absolutely for greater cooperation with Israel. I also think the Israelis are very smart. Israel?s achievements in science and technology are something every including its worst critics should learn from and appreciate ? India definitely should. But I do not agree with your observation on the Indian economy. Pl. do not forget that we have what will soon be the largest population in the world. From a basket case we have managed to be amongst those that count. I am not sure about a superpower status but I am sure we are doing quite a bit to improve the condition and status of the masses. We have a thriving democracy i.e. we cannot absolutely ignore the opinion of the 150 million muslims ? but I hope that they realize and think as Indians first that this alliance with US and Israel is a win-win situation. As far as a comment from some one about the evil of castism - I would like to point out that it is not state sanctioned and even commenting on a persons cast came get one arrested.

Muslims ruled the north of India for many centuries and were defeated. Sihks kicked arse. Indians don't want islamic law again.

indeed very correct decision....politically & military.. I think this is correct decisions. Israel can be reliable partener in various cases. they are natural allies. Also jihadi, Terrorist threats to both countries make them natural allies. I persoanlly admire israel...So small country but great progress in various fileds despite adverse surroundings... But Israeli's have to underastand that we cant disturb our relations with arab islamic countries because of some things....1) We need oil :-) 2)to make our indian muslim brother feel better 3) 3rd is obvious...never cut off ur options.

the problem is not with the jews... its the right wing zionists who have taken charge of israel... and undermined its jewish ethos of wisdom and compassion

I am really impressed with how many people from India and all around the world are reading the JPost online.

wheres my answer to all those who questioned me?

This deal should supprise no-one. India has suffered from Islamic bullying & terrorism for centuries, like Israelis and Jews gererally. From recent terrorist atrocities committed in India by Islamists, through Muslim instigated attacks during India's struggle for Independence at the same time as Israel's struggle for atzmaut, and further back to the Muslim invasions when dead cows were thrown down wells so that Hindus would die of thirst, being unable to drink from ritually contaminated water supplies. The only question is why it has taken India so long to see the light.

Ram, you said that you are a hindu, fine, convert all hindus living in india to islam then india will be benefited much from arab world. It helps the 150 million muslim population to become 1.25 billion muslim population in india. Also it helps the 2 million indians working in middle eastern countries. Why there is Israeli missile system here? suicide jihadis and car,truck bombs are more than enough.... to kill all living in india. "A NATION WHO BLESSES ISRAEL WILL BE BLESSED, A NATION WHO CURSES ISRAEL WILL BE CURSED"

oh my, what an applause i see for an indian-israeli cooperation. and yet i wonder why there is so much outcry every time china is protecting iran in the us security council, and providing modern weaponry to the arab states in an ever growing chinese-arab cooperation. after all everyone knows china and india are close, long time allies. and we all know who gave nukes know-how to pakistan. actually im not sure why india chose a long term strategy of direct military cooperation with israel, even though it was offered a leading role in a born-again non alignment movement along brazil - although this time finally free from despotic arab regimes. time will tell which decision would have been better. best luck from me - both india and israel have some great engineers. im eager to see the technological results.

I think India is beginning to distinguish between the Palestinian legitimate aspiration for an independent state, and the illegitimate aspirations of Hamas to eliminate Israel. I hope that there are enough intellectuals in India that would make this important distinction.

The 2 giants India and Pakistan have been fighting over Kashmir for a century. Now when Russia or the US sides with one of the two, its no problem because Russia and the US are even bigger giants. But when little midget Israel interfers and sides with one of the sides, I don't think Pakistan will sit there and watch, most probably it will send to Hizbollah 400,000,000 advanced missiles. Ahh wait here comes the Pakistani-Iranian alliance.

There is no way AIPAC "bribed Indian politicians to deepen ties with Israel with the promise of lobbying on behalf of India." This is an absurd statement. That view demeans your own intelligence. AIPAC has enough issues on it's hands to get involved with a potential scandal like this. You claim Israel is a parasite. Israel is one of the most productive countries on earth. A high-tech industry that is the marvel of the world. Israel could greatly help India to progress in the world, and we all know India needs all the help it can get. It's a disgrace how India has managed it's economy in the past and cooperation with Israel will help propel India into another level. You probably wish India would have more ties with Arab countries. This would be disastrous for your country. Speaking of parasites - what do the Arab countries have to benefit India? All they can do is sell oil. They produce nothing but export Islamic extremism. Ram, I expect more from you than this ridiculous diatribe.

I fully support the joint development of missile system with Isreal . Isreal is very advance in military hardware and India is having edge in sortware delopment and if both combined together thay can develop a system , which will be unmatched in the world. I feel Idiad need is airshield from airwarn attack . mahesh

Lets not blame the fact that the little Hitler in Iran is pushing for the bomb. Lets not forget tha India is comimg under atack from murders. Lets blame Isreal for India protecting its people. Jews in America are a very small group. But the Jewish lobby here in the UNited States pushed India ibto this. Ha Ha Ha

Excellent agreement! Via Israel is clearly the best method to transfer American military technology to India.

India spent already 50 years in that u-turn condition, and did't like it. The powerty, the HIV and chronick hunger will never be missed by the great majority of Hindus. The geostratigic considerations moved India closer to Israel and recently to US. India has close military relations with Israel for the last 40 years and that relationship survived all arab pressures and bribes. In one respect India finds itself in a similar to Israel position. With 15-18% of muslems India is acutely aware of the strong fifth culomn supported by Pakistan arab corrupting money. Its desire to keep Kashmir, which closely resembles Gaza is very telling. So, I believe that by and large India and Israel are in the same boat, and therefore good luck and god bless both. You indians should pray to god for the well being of strong, creative and striving Jewish State of Israel, it is in the best interests of hindus as well.

ram...no 25... is correct ghandhi...nehru...indira.... all got it right. andy..anurag.. part of the hindu right wing....a trifle short sighted. india must have good releations with all nations including israel, but should always stand for whats morally right. why is our govt so incompetent?... because our electorate was semi literate at best. but the change is happening... education has taken root... the gush of educated 18 year olds invading indian electoral rolls every year,are already making a difference..a difference being compounded every year because they think independently . it was worth waiting for.

Most of the Indians I know (I happen to have two relatives married to Indians) are solidly pro-Israel, especially Gujarati. Here in the US, Indian and Jewish communities treat each other with the utmost respect. We have many similarities with the Indians.

from indians i have met, we have the sense that we are in the same boat. they have kashmir and we have gaza (anyone want a swap?) radical islam is radical islam. you could try and appease them but they'll still kill you.

Israel, despite its flaws, is more democratic then any Arab or African Moslem country. Israel, if security was not such a problem, would help the average Palestinian more then any other Arab/African Moslem leader. Thats' why India should support Israel. Its simply the right, moral thing to do. Or would you prefer supporting dictators instead?

Hindus and Jews have a lot in common, the main commonality being the hatred they receive from Muslim Jihadists. Nothing more natural that they should join forces against a common enemy.

oh my, what an applause i see for an indian-israeli cooperation. and yet i wonder why there is so much outcry every time china is protecting iran in the us security council, and providing modern weaponry to the arab states in an ever growing chinese-arab cooperation. after all everyone knows china and india are close, long time allies. and we all know who gave nukes know-how to pakistan. actually im not sure why india chose a long term strategy of direct military cooperation with israel, even though it was offered a leading role in a born-again non alignment movement along brazil - although this time finally free from despotic arab regimes. time will tell which decision would have been better. best luck from me - both india and israel have some great engineers. im eager to see the technological results.

"INdia buying Israeli military equipment worth a whopping $1.6 billion just in 2006 alone." Makes good sense. Israeli weaponry are topclass! Indian government aren't as blind as some anti-Israel backtalkers here.

You're right Abe...had it not been for the unfortunate event of 9/11, even the US administration would have veered towards India. Unfortunately for India, US again needed Pakistani support in its war against AQ and the Talibs. In fact the double standards of US are unfortunate...you guy almost concede to Pakistan's claims that Kashmir problem is a freedom struggle... From your name it seems you're jewish...hopefully more and more of US based Jews will lobby the Bush administration to take a tough stand against Pakistan, for its involvement in terrorism in India.

Ram, you talk as though your name is Rahim, or it is really? You have zilch knowledge of international relations or foreign policy...do not keep your eyes closed like an ostrich's...Israel is a natural ally of India...in spite of India's support to Palestinians and boycott of Israel till 1992, what did India get in return from OIC countries? All gulf countries (except Iraq) supported Pakistan against India... During the 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines plane to Kandahar and also during the Kargil war, Isreal provided a lot of assistance to India.

Indians don't want to live with Islamic law. History is Islam was defeated in the north by Sihks. Israelis don't want Islamic law in our jewish state. So too bad Jihad. People in Israel and India share a desire for freedom and an opportunity to support one's family. BTW, I don't buy the rubbish many posters here write about when they say world is disengaging with Israel. I think it is deception. More from the echo chamber. We traveled many miles in India, north to south. Beautiful country. Beautiful people. Many Indian Jews emmigrated to Israel in 1972ish. India and Israel are natural allies and there is nothing a a bitter jihadist or a misguided poster could do about it. Good Sabbath

Calling Israel a parasite country indicates a shallow knowledge of reality. Please look it up in the world book. Israel GDP is greater that any of its oil rich Arab neighbors. If 150 billion Muslims isolate you becasue of an alliance with 6 million people then they are not true friends. Friends do not dictate to others whom they can or cannot associate with. It says a lot about them, far more than about whom they want to boycott. Do you really want to have friends who oppress their women, honor killl their mothers, sisters and daughters, rampage and kill over perceived insults and thrown their own off high-rises? Says something about you too.

The present political condition has changed the Middle East and the far East Political allignment. Even Pakistan realized that the immidiate threath is now from the Islamofashists. So does Saudia, Jordan, Egypt etc.etc. The rise of the Muslim Brotherhood, and other branches coming from it are now the main concern. Israel has no plans to Jewishsize the world, actualy they are holding on to a land of few square kilometers with their lifes literaly. The game has changed after 2001, and all the Islamofashists are now coming to the surface, from Algeria all the way to China, and the world received a wake up call. Why India needs Israel? because only Israel understand that these people will not hesitate to use dirty bombs, or God forbid A bombs. India is looking to protect its own people.

Both you and Ravi # 1 state that you are ceeply disturbed. In deed your posts show that you are both deeply disturbed. Perhaps you need some professional help to receive your deep disturbances. I wonder what Ghandi would say about our neighbours, your Plaaestian friends, whose charters call for out destruction in the name of Allah!

ravi, Israel-India ties are intimate and longstanding and flourished even as India's ties with the Soviet Union waxed and waned. Israel receives so much advice as to what it must and must not do to avoid stirring up righteous retribution that your comment must stand in a rather longish queue. Israeli-Indian cooperation catalytically spurs development of technology in both countries.

It has engendered closer relations between Israel and India. Turkey, afraid of Islamization, has close strategic relations with Israel. Egypt's Mubarak, afraid of the Muslim Brotherhood, strives to maintain close security along its borders with Gaza and Sinai. Jordan, likewise afraid of Muslim extremists (and Palestinians), maintains good relations with Israel. I imagine that, as more and more countries feel threatened by Islam, their relationships with Israel will improve.

reprehensible for you to stir up anti muslim sentiment.Even the BJP and Hindu organisations don't do that.It is against our crown jewel the Indian Constitution, that guarantees equal rights to all citizens.Please don't tarnish that.Government of India knows what it is doing.Beyond economic ties and maintaining good relationships with all nations(including israel &Palestine) we also have a proud tradition of supporting liberation movements.Palestine is one of the last such.We voted against the Partition of Palestine(U.N.Res.181) and in 1967 Arthur Lall,our rep.in the Security Council called for israel's withdrawal from all Occupied Territories. And the Muslim community continues to make valuable contributions to our national life.Our President is a Muslim and our PM a Sikh.Please don't start up old quarrels.We are in the 21st century.Let's move on.

"What good and of what use for a 2.4 billion missle system if a large amount of the people of India and Israel are starving and withou adequate housing." No one in Israel is starving and without "adequate" housing (which is a matter of definition. Yes, there are poor, and the government could do much more, but remember, more exports mean more work for more people. As for India, the situation there has vastly improved. There is a growinf middle class. Though many are still homeless (unless you consider living in the street a home), at least no one is starbing any more.

After all, Lakshmi lives in India and is steeped in Indian culture, particularly when it comes her humility and use of constructive criticism toward Israelis on an Israeli site. After all, look how many other Indians have followed here lead. She certainly knows her place here, and never engages in slanderous excesses and false accusations. Never.

current situation.

May years ago I played a board game called "Diplomacy". It was basically a game about forging alliances and using those alliances to either attack the bordering country or defend your own. An off shoot of that game is today's other board game "Risk" China is in a odd position. She needs Middle East oil and must appease the suppliers. But on the other hand China cannot let her customers ,the huge Western market N. America and Europe falter due to poor economic conditions that could be caused by outside strife. ( Islam ) Israel will supply India with missile defence systems and would supply China with other systems...if allowed by the USA. Right now the USA is poo-pooing this move. I feel a lot better having a strong China~Israel~India diplomatic alliance along with the sometimes mis-givings of the crew in Washington. China and India are not stupid. They are playing the game of Diplomacy rather well thank you.

Both Israel and India are facing a resolute radical Islamic foe. India as Hindu/democratic and Israel as Jewish/democratic countries face the same dangers. The rest of the world understands the danger from places like Iran, Gaza and Afganistan, but Israel and India directly face this threat every day and the only solution for them is to surrender or fight. Both Israel and India are natural allies in this war aginst Islamic facism and they both share in the spheres of intelligence and military preparations. This is natural and desirable as only they can understand the extent of the threat they face.

India and Israel, the only democracies flanking Middle East, are facing the same strategic threats from the rising Islamofascist movement. Both are under attack from the outside assisted by the enemy within. Both will have to find a way to cope with nuclear mullahs in the near future. Both are hi-tech powerhouses that can benefit from mutual cooperation. Both are extremely important allies for us, so we should only encourage this relationship.

"Israel actions in Palestine " ? what actions and where is "Palestine "?There has never been an independent state of Palestine and Gaza, Jerusalem and the so called " West Bank", the true name of it is Yehuda & Shomron as written in the Holy Bible, were never ever Palestinian lands.Egypt took over Gaza from the British in 1947 and the British created a new state of Jordan. Israel has been in existence in the Land of Israel for over three thousand years and has been re established in its own ancient Homeland, the only Homeland of the Jewish people in 1948 following the UN Partition PLan of the country. The Arab League rejected the plan for a Palestinian state because they thought the Arab armies will throw the Jews into the sea. So, they waged war in 1948, 1956, 1967 and 1973 when they failed and were humiliated miserably.The Palestinians still do not want their own state and they are dreaming to destroy Israel as their Master the President of Iran said so on several occasions

Word is that you're a Pak in mufti. Israeli-Indian relations have been thriving, much to your consternation and to the two countries mutual benefit. India & Israel have thriving economies, Pakistan, just the opposite. As an Indian, you might be justifiably disturbed, but since you're not what you represent yourself to be, there's no reason for you to be concerned. Israel & India are technological societies, Pakistan is primitive at best. Ravi, is that short for Raving?

In another post, you gleefully reminded me that "israel has to (quickly) understand that the future of the world is mulitipolar...(that includes) china (and) india...(T)he rest of the world (understands) this...minus one mr. tan" You mean you have no idea what "multipolar" stand for?!! That's why the mock shock about India's decision and the fakey advice for Israel? Israel cares about its future, unlike the terrorists (that you love so much) who proudly cherish their death culture and happily brainwash their children to become part of it. Anyway, the Indian govt is elected by the people (like you and lakshmi - assuming you are not one and the same) and, if in your opinion, they are not smart, blame the electorates.

I disagree with parts of arguments made by Ravi. I agree that our government is incompitent most of the times, however this is not one of them. Just because Israel is unpopular does not we need to cater to the terroist Islamic states. We need to have a back bone and stand up to them. Cooperation such as these will hopefully lead to other cooperations. Also the fact that these missles being developed will help India agianst threats from our two neighbors stratigically is always a good thing. Shai

As an Indian, I am deeply disturbed by a Israel's ties with India. India should have nothing to do with Israel. It is clear that the Jewish Lobby in the US bribed Indian politicians to deepen ties with Israel with the promise of lobbying on behalf of India. Indian leaders such as Indira Gandhi knew that Israel is a parasite. Our founders like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru would be deeply disappointed at our ties with the parasite country. Also, as a Hindu, I do not understand what benefit India gets by alienating our own 150 million Muslim population by establishing ties with a parasite country of 6 million. India's ties with Israel will only cause Islamic exremists to target India. Also, we have nearly 2 million Indians working in Arab and other Islamic countries.

"strange, when many western nations are desengaging with Israel through the boycott policies." Many nations? One nation has two unions who have been, arguably, wasting their time with incessant hand wringing over those poor Palestinians who continue to shoot each other in the head, and plan on car bombs and airport attacks within that said divided nation. To be a Jihadi means that one leaves logic, knowledge, and a general will to live behind. Way to go, Champ.

Most absurd post of the day award goes to you.

This is a direct reaction to the purchase of F16s by Pakistan. The Indian's are afraid that Pakistan will be able to knock out or severely damage India's nuclear capability with an F16 strike. This new missile system, as the article noted, is geared towards protecting India's "strategic assets" AKA nukes. Its unfortunate that while hundreds of millions of people languish in abject poverty in the subcontinent, the leaders of India and Pakistan continue to buy weapons that only make Western countries rich and keep them poor.

This talkback is so full of wishful thinkers who want to believe that India will adopt a 100% anti-Israel stance despite the fact that it is clearly in India's interest to have a partnership with a high tech defense industry that doesn't make "superpower" demands (we'll help you if you send troops to Iraq...). King Hussein (and other Arab leaders) used to maintain an officially hostile stance to Israel but quietly went to Israeli hospitals in Jerusalem because they were the best in the region. Naturally, India would want to co-develop missile tech with Israel. Get over it.

India can use Israel's tech and military know-how and develop mutual benefit through good relations. If you cannot put over 1 billion Arabs to work they are a liability to destruction. The oil WILL run out and only the Arab countries with good relations and good education will prosper in the future.

What good and of what use for a 2.4 billion missle system if a large amount of the people of India and Israel are starving and withou adequate housing. Does it matter to homeless and destitute people.

As an Israeli I am deeply disturbed by your involvement in our affairs and your one-sided support of those who would prefer to see us disappear.

Despite your surprise and against your wishes, the cooperation between India and Israel in a variety of ares has been gong on for years. Israel has several large bulding projects in India, Israelis love to tour India, there is trade and a lot of cooperation in research and ti-tech fields. Nothing new.

...the cast system in India segragates between people of the same faith who only want to be treated as equal? we in ISRAEL separate ourselves with palestinians because of the terror road they have chosen 50 years on... look in the mirror before looking in your neighbour's yard.

Do you think that posing as a Hindu here will make anyone believe you? Do you think that India wants this technology to protect them from the Buddhists? I don't think so.

and calls from al Qaeda for a holy war on India.

They represent a market of 1.5 billion consumers. what does the miniscule Israel offer? 12 million consumers? 12 millions represent only the number of indians working in Arab world. India has to think twice befor engaging with Israel. strange, when many western nations are desengaging with Israel through the boycott policies. I wont be surprised if the Indian gov vehemently deny this absurd news.

If these news are correct it would be a great political turaround of a Country, India, that has more reasons not to get enbroiled with Israel in any diplomatic closeness let alone a longterm association in military advancement of both parties strategic aims. Congress party, that is now in government in India, is a far more anti-Israel in the past, than the previous nationalistic Pan-Hindu party that lost the last elections. It is a superlative to the Israeli foreign activities to gain such a friendly and longterm cooperation with the Congress party, whose voters are among the majority of India Musilm250-300millions citizens. I was always in the belief that the interests of both Nations do correspond in some sectors and in some strategical cooperation, and it is a sound one, if the news are correct, to promote a more close political regional injection of India.

It's good for India to keep good relationship with Israel Because I think every one is knowing from India that during the Kargil war in 1999 only Israel helps India than any other country.

Indians have a natural ally in Israel. We know that the Muslim community in our country is not to be trusted any more than our neighbour Pakistan.

India is a sovereign country and is entitled to sign agreements that will benefit her.India has also signed agreements with the Saudis.How does this impact on Palestine-India relations.A seminar was held in New Delhi where these issues were discussed.Check Globalresearch for an article by Nicola Nasser on this very subject.

Ravi: The West Bank and Gaza were invaded as a result of the unanimous decision of many Arab states to destroy Israel 100 %. Later, Israel offered the creation of a Palestinian state in West Bank and Gaza in exchange for peace (i.e. in exchange for the promise that the Palestinian constitution would remove the statement "that Israel has no right to exist and that the 1967 or even the 1949 borders are illegal.") Apparently the Palestinian groups refused to remove that sentence from their constitution, even after Israel made a good will gesture by totally withdrawing from Gaza and even after Israel promised to do the same in the West Bank if only the Palestinians agreed to recognize Israel. I am very much in favor of long term peace and tolerance, as well as coexistence. But if the extremist governments of the Palestinians say that they will use the Israeli withdrawal to bring in missiles to later bombard all of Israel then this would make it difficult for Israel to withdraw.

You would be better off buying missles from Iran. Theirs tend to work.

Like how about some support at the UN?

The USA is Israel's closest ally, and may this remain so as far into the future as the horizon and beyond. That being said, it is in Israel's interest to build military and economic ties with other parties in this fast-changing world. It is clear that China and India both have the potential to achieve superpower and sub-superpower status respectively and may achieve this within the next decade or two. Without damaging the very strong US-Israel ties, Israel needs to embrace the coming new world order. The continuing economic and military ties with India is a good strategic decision for both nations.

Perhaps you should move to Pakistan to be near the kindly, cuddly care bears of Islam that you love so much. Do I need to point out to you that it's a very one-sided love affair? It is so sad that India has such a huge dhimmi 5th column. Between that and the 'Islamic bomb' I'm not as optimistic about India's future as I want to be...

It makes a lot of strategic sense for India to collaborate with Israel for military R&D. India can not afford to depend on the Russians for all of its military needs. It needs to diversify it's arsenal. In my opinion, Israel is the most reliable country to look to. As for the Palestinians, well.. India still supports the Palestinian cause, but in no way is the public opinion against Israel. On the contrary, there is much euphoria evident in the public mood, barring the reservations of a few, anti-national communist parties. The foreign policy of any country should be driven by realpolitik and not by ideologies. Support for Palestinians is fine, but what has India got in return for its support? An OIC condemnation for it's 'occupation' of Kashmir? Even a dumb person can figure out that India has more to gain by siding with Israelis than Arabs..

I think we should improve our defense preparedness by collaborating with Israel. Defense cooperation must not be combined with support for Israel on Palestine. That is a seperate issue. We have to be mature as a nation and not complicate issues. Israel has a great defense establishment and we should benifit from it. Dump our cold war mentality where we mix issues. Buy arms, technology from any friendly country. Don't be confused my friend. We have to be a politically more mature country.

as an indian im deeply disturbed by the indian govts moves vis a vis israel. we have a govt thats not all that smart.... it almost sent troops to iraq.... until the public outcry against sending troops forced the govt to back down. israel must also be careful.... distaste for israeli actions in palestine is growing in the country.... and may force the indian govt to do a u turn... the bunglers are good at that