I am not surprised

Submitted by Ramana Rajgopaul (India), Apr 21, 2009 at 07:53

The popular perception in the West is that India is Pro Arab. Yes India is pro Arab. Indian diaspora in the Arabian countries contribute significantly to India's dollar remittances.

Politicians in India dare not overtly state that they are pro Israel as all of them except a couple of parties, depend on the Muslim vote banks for their survival.

What must however be appreciated is while India is certainly Pro Arab overtly, it has never been anti Israel. There are many shared interests and trade between the two countries. Israel helps India in arid area agriculture technology and there is a healthy trade in arms.

If you ask the non Muslim Indian on the street, he will have nothing but praise for Israel. It is however unfortunate that a more overtly expressed support from the establishment is not considered prudent by the powers that may be.

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