It seems to be India-Israel bhai-bhai as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu boost diplomacy
It seems to be India-Israel bhai-bhai as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu boost diplomacy. The media is inundated with pictures and reports about the burgeoning relationship between the two countries. This comes in the backdrop of India rejecting US' decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital, and voting against the move at the United Nations.
ADVERTISEMENT
After India's vote, there was more controversy when the Palestinian Authority decided to recall its ambassador to Pakistan, Walid Abu Ali, for sharing the stage with LeT chief Hafiz Saeed. India had lodged a protest then. Social media had erupted with many users slamming India as having had its just desserts, as it was a 'two-timing' nation. They meant that we rejected the US move in a vote at the UN, a move welcomed by Israel, at the same time claiming stronger friendship ties with Israel. With such a contentious run-up, Netanyahu's visit was bound to be controversial. Now, several organisations in Mumbai are calling for large-scale protests with slogans like 'Netanyahu go back'. Their ire and fire is because of the recent US move. There is little doubt that in today's interconnected world, we are going to be impacted much more by the Israel-Palestine conflict. The flashpoint of the world is here and the strongest indication of this was the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, when the Chabad House was targeted.
There are also individuals who welcome Netanyahu, and are all for closer India-Israel ties. Let both sides to the debate make their points in a strong but peaceful manner. You can be effective without violence. There is space for opposing views in a democracy and, metaphorically speaking, no jostling, pushing and shoving is needed to express both sides.
Download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get updates on all the latest and trending stories on the go