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Journalism of Courage
Snub to Tel Aviv could damage a crucial partnership abroad and will win Antony no points at home
New Delhis decision to turn down an Israeli request for an official visit by its defence minister,Ehud Barak,during the Defexpo last month,is a reminder of how domestic political posturing often takes precedence over national security interests. No section of the Union government has had more intensive contact with Israel than the Indian defence establishment. Indias armed forces and the Defence Research and Development Organisation need sustained access to advanced Israeli technologies.
Seeking out profitable international defence partnerships,wherever possible in the world,should be one of the top priorities of the defence minister. As head of the defence establishment,it is Antonys job to defuse any domestic political risk that might be associated with the necessary pursuit of Indias defence preparedness and modernisation although the implication that there would be any domestic fallout of a possible Barak visit is itself questionable. By all accounts,Indias defence minister needs to re-order his priorities.
