Ahead of PM Modi's visit, Israel invites Congress leaders too

NEW DELHI: Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel in July, Tel Aviv is trying to achieve a political consensus on Indo-Israeli ties by inviting Congress leader Manish Tewari for three days beginning Monday to attend conferences on security issues.

The meet will also be attended by Shaurya Doval, director of India Foundation. The delegation, which also includes Jaiveer Shergill, a Congress functionary from Punjab, has been invited by the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) in Tel Aviv, National Nuclear Security Administration and Centre for Global Security Research.

The members of the Indian delegation will speak on security and economic issues facing South Asia and West Asian region. The delegation also comprises individuals who have expertise on security issues.

Efraim Halevy, a former head of Mossad, will also interact with the Indian team, informed persons familiar with the visit. The Indian delegation is expected to visit the Golan Heights and the Lebanese border.

The UPA rule between 2004 and 14 witnessed ministerial visits from here to Israel but the Congress-led government was shy of publicising the enegagement.

But the BJP-led NDA regime while expanding ties with the Gulf and rest of West Asia is pushing ties with Tel Aviv. The two PMs have meet on the sidelines of UN meets and India has already hosted the Israeli President. After Modi’s visit, his Israeli counterpart is expected to visit India by January next.

Modi’s visit is expected to push defence ties with Israel, particularly development of joint defence systems and platforms.