- For a background discussion on the post– weapons test Indo- U.S. rapproche-
ment, see Talbott, Engaging India. - Kumaraswamy, “At What Cost Israel- China Ties?”; Kumaraswamy, “Israel-
China Relations and the Phalcon Controversy.” - Within days after its nuclear tests, there were fears that Israel would follow
the American lead and suspend all military- related deals. Its dependence
upon Washington for po liti cal support, economic largess, and strategic
commitments circumscribe Israel’s ability to pursue an in de pen dent arms-
export policy. It even cancelled the visit of Chief of Staff Lieutenant General
Amnon- Lipkin Shahak, slated for later that month. Gradually, Israel became
more understanding of India’s compulsion to go nuclear and refrained from
joining the international chorus against New Delhi. Within a year, Israel
proved to be a reliable friend when it quickly responded to Indian demands
for small arms and ammunition during the Kargil war. See Menon and
Pandey, “Axis of Democracy?” - Ministry of External Aff airs, http:// meaindia .nic .in/ speech/ 2003/ 05/
08spc01 .htm. - See Inbar, “The Indian- Israeli Entente,” 89– 104; and Berman, “Israel, In-
dia, and Turkey.” - It was only in December 2008 that the 1997 Nehru award was formally re-
ceived by President Mubarak during his state visit to India. - Mohan, “India and the Islamic World.”
- This was only superseded by the visit of U.S. President George W. Bush in
March 2006, when the leftist parties, for four years part of the ruling co ali-
tion, spearheaded massive protests all over India. - Surjeet, “Hamas Leader’s Assassination.”
- Unlike the decision of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1982 to expel the
Israeli consul, this time the government resolved its dis plea sure quietly, and
thus the issue never generated any debate in India. Writing a year later, one
commentator observed: “The Palestinian envoy to India, Khalid Sheikh, one
of the longest- serving diplomats, was virtually declared persona non grata by
the NDA government. He was recalled by Arafat under pressure from New
Delhi.” Cherian, “A Breach of Trust.” See also “Israeli Pressure Caused En-
voy’s Exit, Says NGO,” Khaleej Times (February 10, 2003). - President Abdul Kalam’s address to the joint session of Parliament (June 7,
2004), Offi ce of the President of India, New Delhi. - Cherian, “A Breach of Trust.”
13. Conclusion - Quoted in Sudarshan, “Sharon’s Stones on Our Heart.”
322 12. normalization and after