House panel questions timing of PM’s Israel visit amid rising tensions, Pg12

Key Highlights:

• PM Modi is scheduled to visit Israel on February 25 amid rising regional tensions.
• The Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs questioned the timing of the visit.
• Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that security considerations were taken into account.
• Concerns were raised about the lack of budgetary allocation for the Chabahar Port.
• The committee criticized the 7.8% budget increase for the MEA, calling it inadequate.

Detailed Insights:

• The visit follows the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel and subsequent bombardment of Gaza, resulting in over 70,000 deaths.
• During the visit, PM Modi will address the Knesset, attend a technology event, and visit the Yad Vashem memorial.
• A committee member questioned the visit's rationale given India's advisory for citizens to leave Iran due to potential U.S. strikes.
• The MEA stated that India has fulfilled its $120 million commitment to the Chabahar Port, despite MPs' concerns about strategic autonomy.
• The committee highlighted the absence of Indian diplomatic missions in 41 countries and inadequate support for the Indian diaspora.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Knesset: Israel's unicameral national legislature.
• Chabahar Port: A seaport in southeastern Iran, developed with Indian assistance for trade connectivity.
• Strategic Autonomy: A country's ability to make independent foreign policy decisions without external influence.