India, Israel begin strategic dialogue

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, SEPT. 11. India and Israel today discussed the threats to their security by terrorism, developments in South and West Asia and the future direction of their cooperation.

The issues came up on the first day of Indo-Israel strategic dialogue.

The Israeli delegation was led by the National Security Adviser, Major General Uzi Dayan, and the Indian side by his Indian counterpart, Mr. Brajesh Mishra.

The spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs described the dialogue with Israel as similar to India's strategic talks with several other countries.

As India and Israel face threats from terrorism radiating from the Afghanistan-Pakistan strategic arc, both noted that terrorism was contributing to spread of regional instability.

Israel is very much concerned about the possible role of terrorists in aiding proliferation of mass destruction weapons, including ballistic missiles.

It is keeping a close watch on the Iranian missile development programme as it could target the Israeli mainland.

Despite their common concern, analysts here point out the divergence in the nature of the threat posed by terrorism to both sides.

Afghanistan, they say, is the base for spreading ``Sunni'' variant of religious extremism which has fanned out to Central Asia and the Caucuses.

Israel, however, is threatened by the Shi'ite brand of terrorism as manifested in the Hezbollah, which has roots in Iran.

However, Israel is ready to work with India in the field of counter-terrorism.

India, on its part, can play a role in improving Israel's international image, especially in the developing world where it is influential.

Given this strategic backdrop, defence cooperation has been one of the key elements in Indo-Israeli equation.

India has benefited from Israel's sophisticated surveillance technology.

Both sides are close to signing a deal for early warning aircraft. India is also looking for Israeli help to counter the threat from ballistic missiles in the region.

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