Ariel Sharon arrived this week in New Delhi bearing arms. In doing so, the first visit by an Israeli prime minister to the subcontinent threatens not only to accelerate the arms race between nuclear rivals, India and Pakistan, but also marks the emergence of a new United States-backed coalition of the willing.
The 150-strong Israeli delegation underlines how far the countries have travelled since they established full diplomatic relations in 1992. It was since 9/11 that both nations’ interest converged to the extent the Delhi government’s national security adviser speaks of the US, Israel and India as being part of an ”alliance [that] would have the political will … to take bold decisions in extreme cases of terrorist provocation”.
Seen in this light, Sharon’s visit is a triumph for the Bush administration and India’s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, which rose to power 10 years ago.
Whereas once India was the self-styled leader of the Third World it now acts much like any other nation: as a selfish state pursuing its own interests above all others.
This modus vivendi has been cast while India’s political conversation has become dominated by the perceived threat of Islamic terrorism. These changes have made it easier for New Delhi’s historic antagonism towards Israel to be replaced with more friendly relations.
Diplomats say New Delhi’s support for the Palestinian movement remains undimmed, but it is more muted than in the past. Without peace in the Middle East, India, which imports a quarter of its oil from the Gulf, will not give up casting its ballots with the pro-Arab majority at the United Nations against Israel.
India spends $2-billion a year on Israeli military equipment. This figure is set to rise. On India’s shopping list are three Phalcon airborne early warning systems and the anti-ballistic Arrow missile. Both operate with US components and sale of these require Washington’s assent. Significantly, the US has given a green light for the deal involving the spy planes.
India has yet to secure permission for the Arrow system, which many fear might see Pakistan expanding its ballistic arsenal. Again the decision will be made in the US.
Although India risked US ire since it conducted its first nuclear weapons test in 1998, the arrival of George W Bush in the White House made it easier for New Delhi to promote itself as the US’s ”natural ally”.
The benefits of engagement with Tel Aviv have not gone unnoticed by Pakistan, which does not recognise Israel. Pakistani President General Pervez Musharraf recently called for a debate on whether relations should be established with the Jewish state. For now Pakistan is warning of the dangers of close Indian-Israeli engagement.
Coming so soon after Britain’s decision to sell $1,5-billion of Hawk jets, Israel’s arms deal underlines how lucrative Asian markets have become. — Â