Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Israel to train Indian soldiers in Kashmir

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Srinagar, Sep 15: An agreement has been proposed by the Indian government whereby the Israel Defense Forces will train Indian soldiers in counter-militancy tactics, urban warfare and fighting in guerrilla settings as part of India’s war in Kashmir, Israeli newspapers and news portals reported today.

Israeli Army Chief Maj.Gen. Avi Mizrahi paid an unscheduled visit to Kashmir last week to get an up-close look at the challenges the Indian military faces in its fight against militants in Kashmir, Israel National News said.

Mizrahi was in India for three days of meetings with the country’s military brass and to discuss a plan the IDF is drafting for Israeli commandos to train Indian forces.

Under the proposed agreement, the IDF would send highly-trained commandos to train Indian soldiers in counter-militancy tactics, urban warfare and fighting in guerrilla settings. Mizrahi’s visit to Kashmir was reportedly kept secret at the time since India feared it could spark violence in the state, said The Jerusalem Post.

It said Mizrahi spent several hours at the Akhnoor Military Base in Kashmir where he gave a lecture to senior officers on counter-militancy operations.
India is the largest importer of arms from Israel and since 2002 has bought more than $5 billion worth of equipment.

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