CPI(M) to Modi: do not neglect Palestinian cause

The CPI(M) on Thursday criticised the proposed visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Israel.

The party said the visit would give an official stamp to the close strategic relationship existing between the two countries.

An editorial in the upcoming issue of CPI(M) mouthpiece People’s Democracy said that given the BJP’s ideological affinity to Israel and Zionism, it is not surprising that Modi has decided to break new ground with Israel by paying an official visit.

The formation of the Modi government heralded closer ties with Israel, the editorial said, adding: “Modi will be visiting Israel when the (Benjamin) Netanyahu government is aggressively going ahead with nullifying any possibility of a political settlement with the Palestinian leadership.”

The CPI(M) alleged that the Modi government and the BJP have no qualms in extending support to a “racist and reactionary” government.

“While formally maintaining India’s longstanding position of support to the cause of the Palestinian people, the Modi government is now openly working to undermine this stand,” the article said.

Criticising the media for welcoming Modi’s plan to visit Israel, it said Modi’s visits to Japan and Australia led to the signing of new security and military cooperation agreements with them.

“From the US strategic standpoint, Israel is another key ally with whom India should partner. The Modi visit to Israel will be another step in cementing this strategic alliance being forged under the leadership of the US. It will also signal the abandonment of India’s commitment to an independent Palestinian state,” it added.