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Time for India to Give Israel the Recognition It Deserves
(Mail Today-Daily O-India) Harsh V. Pant - It is anticipated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Israel in January 2017 to mark the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, becoming the first prime minister of India to visit the country. The Indian government has toned down its reactions to Israel's treatment of the Palestinians and has begun denouncing Palestinian terrorist acts in Israel. India is no longer initiating anti-Israel resolutions at the UN and has made serious attempts to moderate the Non-Aligned Movement's anti-Israel resolutions. This reevaluation has been based on a realization that India's largely pro-Arab stance has not been adequately rewarded by the Arab world. There have been no serious attempts by the Arab world to put pressure on Pakistan to reign in crossborder terrorism in Kashmir and the Arab nations have firmly stood by Pakistan. If Arab nations, such as Jordan, have been able to keep their traditional ties with Palestine intact while building a new relationship with Israel, there is no reason for India not to take a similar route. An open relationship with Israel serves India well and it's time Tel Aviv gets the recognition it deserves from New Delhi.