Israel don't care whether we voted against them or not. They will continue to do business with us. We need to vote against them to get business and trade opportunities in countries like Iran. As ordinary citizens we can support Israel. But as we are not super power our Govt. should make sure that both Israel and Palestine feel that we are with them. Our Govt. should not act like foolish leaders in countries like North Korea, venezuela or EU who lost huge opportunities by siding with few countries.
I think now you overtook
@SajeevJino as main supporter of Israel in DFI.
(1) Nice post ! good balance of the forces and what our position should be .
(2) I'll post here the lnik to a video by Dr Swamy .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzcqj8XFiVE&list=UUDnCzWI3cKSExdlDfuB3Zeg
Main points are that :-
(a) India has done back-door diplomacy ( as everyone else does )
and got assurance form Is that they are not offended by some of our UN voting history.
(b) Swamy advocates a more openly pro-Is stand in future -. im not so sure it is a good idea .
Having their embassy openly fly their flag in India should be good enough plus the growing govt-to govt
cooperation in an increasing number of projects is an on-going sign that the relationship is good. At critical
times in UN voting India can either walk-out , abstain or in extreme cases vote FOR Is.
(c) An IS diplomatic representative was present at the lecture and gave his shout of approval at the
beginning of the lecture ( ..not v impt - but i thought I'd add that )
(d) Swamy indicated that Modi will likely visit Is in Jan next year ( 2015 ) -. to loud cheers of all present.
(3) I personally would recommend more international programs between Indian and Is Universities . There is
or recently was an academic boycott of Is Univs and so they should be keen to have India unis want to do
things with them . Eg for MBA ( as i am from that area ) we could have a portion of the program done
at Technion uni in Is or a 3- month project : we can have understanding with them that the final Degree
does not mention Israel so that people will not have trouble ni going to oil-rich areas to work . But the very
experience of studying and Living in Is will be a great eye-opener for Indian students.