In a first-ever visit by an Indian Head of State, President Pranab Mukherjee will tour Jordan, Palestine and Israel this weekend. The tour, from October 10 to 15, will see signing of several pacts with these countries besides educational tie-ups. But more importantly, India will use the opportunity to seek Jordan’s help in the release of 39 Indians held hostage in Mosul (Iraq) by Islamic terrorist group ISIS.
Mukherjee’s visit begins from Jordan where he will be from October 10-12. He will travel to Palestine on October 12 and will be in Israel from October 13-15. During his visit to the two rivals, Palestine and Israel, Mukherjee will appeal for reduced tensions. “We closely follow developments in Israel and Palestine and we would like tension to come down from both sides as it is in theirs, as well as our interest. We will advise them to solve issues through bilateral means and not to escalate the conflict,” said Anil Wadhwa, Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).