prelude to normalization 231
Unlike the “ping- pong” diplomacy between China and the United
States,^25 the Davis Cup tennis tie did not mark any dramatic change in
India’s policy. It, however, generated a lively debate over the prolonged
absence of diplomatic relations with Israel. Saner voices were heard not
only over the depoliticization of sports but on the need to reevaluate In-
dia’s policy. Until then, the negative publicity over the Israeli invasion of
Lebanon and the Sabra- Shatila massacres prevented any meaningful
debate over normalization. The Davis Cup atmosphere changed that.
Se nior fi gures such as C. Subramaniam, the former cabinet minister
under Indira Gandhi, joined Israel’s traditional supporters. He sought to
break the pop u lar tendency of linking Israel with apartheid South Africa
and publicly asked: “[Do] we need to be more Arab than Egypt?”^26 The
issue dominated the front pages of Indian newspapers for well over four
months. Rajiv Gandhi eventually gave the games the green light.^27
There were also noticeable changes in India’s attitude regarding the
granting of visas to Israeli passport holders. Thanks to dual passports,
preventing Israelis from entering became a futile exercise.^28 Even when
tighter visa restrictions were in force, some Israeli diplomats managed to
visit and tour India using their second passports.^29 When the ADL high-
lighted some prominent cases where visas were denied, Rajiv Gandhi re-
laxed the procedures. The restrictions imposed upon Israelis of Indian
origin were lifted, and the Israeli consulate in Bombay was authorized to
coordinate the pro cessing of their visa applications with the government
of Maharashtra.^30 During his tenure, individual and group tourists from
Israel were given Indian visas. In the absence of repre sen ta tion in Israel,
the task was given to Indian missions in New York and London, which
pro cessed the visa applications. Israeli participation in international con-
ferences in India was allowed under certain conditions: the participation
had to be in their individual capacity and not as the offi cial representa-
tives of Israel. Local organizers were encouraged to avoid publicity about
Israeli participation.^31 In practice, there was no uniformity. In October
1988, an Israeli was elected president of the International Hotel Associa-
tion during its conference in New Delhi. Ironically, the conference was
inaugurated by Rajiv Gandhi.^32
Bilateral trade also showed some improvement. Existing trade was
dominated by a group of Indian diamond merchants based in the Tel Aviv
suburb of Ramat Gan. They began operating in the late 1970s and emerged
as the prime force behind trade in precious stones. This relatively unpub-
licized activity came into the open in 1986, when the Damascus- based
vip2019
(vip2019)
#1