The engagement with Israel is multi-dimensional and wide-ranging. It includes enhancing agricultural productivity and efficiency, boosting research and innovation linkages, employing applications of science and technology for the benefit of the two societies, forging strong trade links and investment ties, building defence ties to secure people on either side, enhancing people-to-people ties through greater cultural and tourism linkages, promoting educational exchanges. Besides, the growing number of Indian students, going to study in Israel and vice versa will, no doubt, be an important bridge in strengthening the bilateral partnership. 

This is an issue which is power-packed with pictures. There is a four-page coverage of a book on Indian Americans in Greater Los Angeles Area published by India Empire Publications that was launched in Artesia, California. There is a two-page coverage of Odisha Parba 2017, a unique cultural event that took place in the heart of New Delhi at the India Gate lawns. 

The India Empire Diplomatic Night was held at The Metropolitan Hotel and Spa in New Delhi on April 7, 2017. In spite of being a busy diplomatic evening in the capital, several ambassadors and high commissioners, and members of the diplomatic corps were in attendance. Also attending were some Members of Parliament and those from the business community. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of awards by Chief Guest, the Union Minister of Steel Chaudhary Birender Singh, to members of the diplomatic community. Minister Singh said, “The awards received recognize the efforts of the diplomatic community in strengthening ties between India and the rest of the world. My heartiest congratulations to all awardees and I’m sure this will be a source of inspiration to others.” We have a 13-page coverage of the evening. 

I hope you enjoy reading.

(sayantanc@gmail.com)