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Monday, December 7, 2009

Israeli army chief starts visit to India


Arihant Submarine

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of General Staff Gabi Ashkenazi Sunday departed from Israel to India on the first official visit to the country by an Israeli military chief, local daily Ha'aretz reported on its website.

"The visit to India is part of the process of strengthening the ties between Israel and India, and the nations' militaries," the report quoted an IDF statement as reporting.

During the visit, which is part of a five-day Southeast Asia tour, Ashkenazi will meet government officials and his Indian counterpart Deepak Kapoor, who visited Israel last month.

According to the army, the IDF chief is also scheduled to meet with the Indian National Security advisor, the commander of Indian Air Force and the commander of Indian Navy.

Israel and India enjoy close defense ties and last year Israel overtook Russia as the number one supplier of military platforms to India, said local daily The Jerusalem Post.

According to press reports, India is interested in working with Israel on submarine-launched cruise missiles, ballistic missile defense systems, laser-guided systems, satellites as well as unmanned aerial vehicles.  (Original News)