In a delicate balancing act, External Affairs Minister SM Krishna starts a three-day visit to Israel and Palestine that is expected to enhance India's strategic and economic ties with Tel Aviv and also underline enduring commitment to the Palestine cause.
This will be the first visit by an Indian External Affairs Minister to Israel in 11 years.
In Tel Aviv, Krishna will call on Israeli President Simon Peres and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and hold extensive talks with Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Avigdor LiebermaThe focus will be on expanding strategic, defence and economic ties between the two countrie.
The two countries are expected to sign an extradition treaty and an agreement on transfer of sentenced persons during Krishna's visit that occurs in the 20th year of the establishment of diplomatic relations between New Delhi and Tel Aviv.
