Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
more concerned over speculations of cooperation in the nuclear arena, the general
American position has been one of indifference and feigned disquiet. The
protracted dialogue over the nuclear question and gradual improvement of the
Indo-US relations will only enhance and facilitate Indo-Israeli defence ties.
In short, while India is seen as a potential friend and ally in the strategic
calculations in Asia, there is no need for Washington to be apprehensive of such
relations. So long as India and Israel dovetail their policies and pronouncements
within the ambit of American non-proliferation concerns, the defense
cooperation between the two countries is unlikely to figure on American radar
screen.
In the foreign policy arena, the normalization was also a signal of India's
determined effort to minimize the role of Pakistan in India's Middle East policy.
India's obsession with Pakistan comes out clear in its Middle East policy where
it allowed its rivalry with Pakistan to cloud its attitudes and approaches toward
Israel. Its repeated emphasis on its secular credentials and its pronouncedly pro-
Arab policy led to Pakistan becoming India's 'center of gravity' in the Middle
East.
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A host of Indian reactions toward Israel were a direct consequence of this
preoccupation.
At the same time, the dividend of this policy has been minimal, especially
during crises. Furthermore, by allowing Pakistan to occupy a dominant position
in its foreign policy, India has undermined its claims for recognition as a great
power. The diminishing appreciation of the Palestinian card also contributed to
the weakening of the Pakistani factor.
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Indeed, during Foreign Minister Jaswant
Singh's visit to Saudi Arabia in early 2001, India went out of its way to claim
that the bilateral ties were not aimed at Pakistan. Reacting to Pakistani concerns
over his visit, Singh declared that such apprehensions 'would be misreading of
India's intention and belittling the wisdom of the Saudi leadership'.
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Growing
political interactions and economic cooperation between India and countries such
as Iran, Saudi Arabia and Turkey signify a calculated attempt not to make the
Middle East policy a hostage to India's relations with Pakistan.
CONCLUSION
Since the normalization, the Indo-Israeli relations have grown considerably,
encompassing political, economic, cultural and, above all, security relations.
Prolonged neglect and indifference have not diminished the pace of ties. After
some initial hesitations and apprehensions, the relationship is firmly in place.
While the vagaries of the Middle East peace process and change of regimes in
India could influence the pace, the overall direction is promising.
Despite pressures from certain Arab countries, primarily Egypt, India has
defined its priorities and pursued a policy that is less rhetorical and more
substantial. As a result, far from being a contentious issue, nearly a decade later,
