(VOVworld) - Indian President Pranab Mukherjee has begun official visits to Jordan, Palestine and Israel. Through the visits, India hopes to strengthen its relationship with these countries and increase its influence in the region.
This is the first time the Indian President has visited these places territories. Following a series of diplomatic activities in Asia, the Indian President’s tour of West Asia shows India’s multi-dimensional foreign policy that aims at enhancing anti-terrorism cooperation and demonstrating India’s role in seeking solutions to the Palestine-Israel problem.
Boosting ties in various areas
The three West Asian countries and territories depend heavily on imports. Their incomes have increased so their consumption has also risen. Import taxes on essential goods, electronics and computers in this region are low, giving India a huge opportunity to export to these markets, especially agricultural products, services and software.
During a five-day visit to Jordan, President Mukherjee met with King Abdullah II. The two leaders discussed ways to improve bilateral trade ties. India promised to extend Jordan credit worth 100 million USD. The two sides also signed a number of cooperative agreements.
During a two-day visit to Palestine, the Indian President met with President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah and visited Ramallah city. President Mukherjee voiced support for Palestine establishing its own state. India wants to see Palestine peacefully coexisting with Israel as stated in the Quartet’s roadmap and UN Security Council resolutions.
Increasing defense capability
Israel is the last leg of President Mukherjee’s West Asia tour. He will meet with Israeli leaders on ways to promote bilateral ties in all areas, particularly defense and strategic cooperation. India and Israel have maintained strong military and strategic ties. Analysts have called their relationship “a new axis in the war on terror”. India is Israel’s second biggest economic partner in Asia and biggest weapons importer. The two countries have approved a mechanism to increase defense cooperation, which includes joint military exercises. Prior to the visit, India said its special forces will participate in their first ever exercise with the Israeli army, signaling a new level of strategic and defense cooperation.
Last month the Indian government approved a proposal to buy 10 Heron TP drones from Israel, which can attack all ground targets. The drones will help India’s army control cross-border attacks and strengthen its airforce. This 400 million USD contract will be signed during President Mukherjee’s visit and the drones will be delivered to India by the end of 2016.
President Mukherjee’s West Asia tour takes place amid India’s continued reforms and expanding external relations. The visit indicates India’s determination to increase its strategic position in West Asia in the 21st century.