International Relations and World Affairs

Narendra Modi will become the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Israel, in a landmark visit scheduled for July 4. Modi will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over a period of two days to discuss "matters of mutual interest," read a press release from India's Ministry of External Affairs. Modi's itinerary also includes plans to meet with members of the Indian community in Tel Aviv and a visit to honor Indian soldiers buried in Haifa cemetery. Important ally Israel has in recent years become an important defense supplier for India. The two countries signed an air and missile defense deal  worth almost $2 billion in April , in what Israel termed the "largest defense contract deal" in its history. "As India seeks to modernize and grow its defense capabilities, it could find an able ally in Israel. The two countries see themselves as bulwarks of democracy in a region rife with illiberal leaders," said CNN New De...

* In second confessional video, Indian spy admits to involvement in espionage, terrorism and seeks pardon for crimes committed against Pakista n. An Indian national facing execution after being convicted of spying in Pakistan has sought clemency from the army chief, the military said in a statement Thursday. Kulbushan Sudhir Jadhav was arrested in Balochistan last year and officials claim he has confessed to spying for Indian intelligence services. He was found guilty in a closed hearing in April. “Seeking forgiveness for his actions, he has requested the Chief of Army Staff to spare his life on compassionate grounds,” the statement said. In his plea, Jadhav has admitted to his involvement in espionage, terrorist and subversive activities in Pakistan and expressed remorse at the resultant loss of many precious innocent lives and extensive damage to property due to his actions, the ISPR statement said. Jadhav had earlier appealed to the Military Appellate Court which was rej...