India's role in fighting terrorism vital: Peres

By Kesava Menon

MANAMA (Bahrain), NOV. 12. Israel's Foreign Minister, Mr. Shimon Peres, has given India a major diplomatic cum political boost by declaring New Delhi's importance in his own country's scheme of things at a major gathering of American Jews.

According to sources in the Israeli Foreign Ministry, Mr. Peres, told a congregation of the U.S. Jews in Washington that India, the world's largest democracy, had a vital and leading role in the international campaign against terrorism.

While the full text of Mr. Peres' speech is not available, the two important ingredients - that of India being the world's largest democracy population-wise and its frontline role in the war against terrorism could be of crucial importance.

It draws the attention of a political force in the U.S. which is believed to have, in both positive and negative interpretations, a major influence in foreign and strategic policy. Even in all the reportage and commentary since the September 11 incidents, India's specific and inherent position on international terrorism had not got the attention it deserves either in the Israeli or the U.S. media. It is in this context that Mr. Peres' statements could make for a significant impact.

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Section  : International
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