Israel and India are expected to sign a multi-billion dollar security deal within two weeks, as Prime Minister Sharon continues his visit in India.
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's visit in India has already shown success, as a deal on the sale of three Phalcon planes - one billion dollars each - is expected to be signed within two weeks. A sale of the Arrow anti-missile system is also being discussed, although the U.S. - which underwrote much of the project and thus has veto power - has given signals that it will not approve such a deal. Sharon will meet today with Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, Foreign Minister Jashwant Sinha, and President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. Indian leaders have been very warm in their praise of Sharon and of the importance of forging ties with Israel.
Security is very tight during the visit. Anti-Israeli protestors demonstrated against the Israelis yesterday, holding signs reading "Sharon - a Weapon of Mass Destruction" and the like. More than 100 protesting Indians were arrested by police. This is the first visit to India by an Israeli Prime Minister since both countries gained their independence in the late 1940's. Trade between Israel and India reached a level of $1.25 billion last year, after beginning in 1991 with only $200 million.
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's visit in India has already shown success, as a deal on the sale of three Phalcon planes - one billion dollars each - is expected to be signed within two weeks. A sale of the Arrow anti-missile system is also being discussed, although the U.S. - which underwrote much of the project and thus has veto power - has given signals that it will not approve such a deal. Sharon will meet today with Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, Foreign Minister Jashwant Sinha, and President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. Indian leaders have been very warm in their praise of Sharon and of the importance of forging ties with Israel.
Security is very tight during the visit. Anti-Israeli protestors demonstrated against the Israelis yesterday, holding signs reading "Sharon - a Weapon of Mass Destruction" and the like. More than 100 protesting Indians were arrested by police. This is the first visit to India by an Israeli Prime Minister since both countries gained their independence in the late 1940's. Trade between Israel and India reached a level of $1.25 billion last year, after beginning in 1991 with only $200 million.