The brand new state had been carved out of Palestine, and India was a friend of its fellow underdog. “India’s relationships with Palestine and Israel are totally separate, and should be weighed on their own merits. After Russia and the US, Israel is India’s third-largest defence supplier — certainly, India is Israel’s largest defence client. In fact, I am the first Prime Minister to go to Israel, and I am going there on your behalf. With the Abbas visit done, it’s time for Israel.

Source: Indian Express May 17, 2017 19:00 UTC