New Delhi, Sept 08: Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon will arrive here today on a historic visit to India. On the eve of his visit yesterday, the two sides were busy negotiating a joint statement that is expected to reflect concerns over terrorism and highlight a new dimension in bilateral ties with focus on economic cooperation.
Six agreements will be signed on Tuesday after Sharon and Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee hold wide-ranging discussions on a host of issues including the Middle East peace process and the US-backed 'road map' for peace and the Iraq situation. The agreements are on environment protection, combating illicit trafficking and abuse of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances and visa free travel for diplomatic officials and service personnel between the two countries.
The two sides will also ink accords on cooperation in the field of health and medicines, education and culture.
India is attaching importance to the visit, the first by a Israeli Prime Minister since New Delhi decided to establish diplomatic relations with Tel Aviv in January, 1992.
The visit is taking place under a tight security cover with officials comparing its similarities with the unprecedented arrangements made during US President Bill Clinton's visit in March, 2000. Bureau Report