Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is on a visit to India which he says is "one of the most important countries in the world."

The two governments have drawn closer together over Israel's readiness to sell defence equipment to India and by concerns over Islamic extremism.

But many people in India are unhappy at Mr Sharon's visit, which the Israeli Prime Minister has decided to cut short following two suicide bombings in Israel on Tuesday.

In particular, many Muslims are highly critical of his hardline policies towards Muslims in the Palestinian territories.

In addition, many Muslims in India itself feel that the main party in India's governing coalition, the right-wing Hindu Bharatiya Janata Party, is acting against their interests.

Those fears were brought into focus during and after last year's religious riots in the state of Gujarat, in which more than 1,000 people, most of them Muslim, were killed.

This debate is now closed. A selection of your comments appear below.

The following comments reflect the balance of views we have received:

Indians should not make a hue and cry about this visit SG, India

Everyone has skeletons in their closets, so let's not teach morality. Indians should not make a hue and cry about this visit, when it can invite and break bread with the enemy (Mushraff) when we all know he openly supports the terrorism against India, then why not Sharon? India can learn a lot from the experience that Israel has had to deal with in the last 50 years. The pseudo secularists should just open their eyes to the changing world rather than look at history with a leftist eye hole which is only prevalent in India. We are more Palestine than the Palestinians and more left than the communist themselves. In trying to prove their loyalty to these both lose out on the real issues.
SG, India

I think India is making a strategic mistake. Sure in the short term they will get Israeli weapons, but does India really want to take lessons from Sharon and go the way of Israel and civil war? I think India is seduced by Sharon at its peril.
Arnold, UK

I think this visit is very important for India in the fight against terrorism. There is nothing wrong in working together for mutual benefit in trade and security areas. We must not forget the fact that Israel helped Indian army during the Kargil war. Some Muslim leaders always see such developments as against them. These religious leaders (some Hindu leaders are also included) are more responsible for misleading the youth population. The terrorism is all about killing innocent people who are not involved in any of these political or false religious wars. Such extremists (and those who support them) must be eliminated at any cost to provide a more secure and prospering future to our society.
Abhay Tawase, UK

India and Israel have been victims to Islamic terrorism for far to long. Its is about time both countries worked together to protect themselves. “God Bless them & Democracy.”
Dee, UK

Mr Sharon's visit is a natural and welcome development B.R.S Rajan, Singapore

It's only natural that two countries which have suffered the brutalities of fanatical terrorists - in India's case the terrorists being proxies for a cowardly neighbouring country - come together to defeat the evil perpetrators of heinous crimes. Seen in this context, Mr Sharon's visit is a natural and welcome development which will help bring the two countries even closer - militarily, economically and politically, without prejudice to either country's global policies and priorities.
B.R.S Rajan, Singapore

India and Israel are natural pals, victims of similar problems, this is a welcome move by every true Indian (might be a Hindu or Muslim) some honoured terrorists (Imam of Delhi) in India are Protesting "great" Sharon visit and they are holding rallies to condemn his visit, and telling that this allies is going fear Muslim communities in India and responsible for killings of Muslims, why these same people will not protest when our what we call neighbours kill innocent Muslims! Beware INDIA we have terrorists at our doorstep! Mr Sharon; hats off to you. You are great.
Suresh, Bangalore/India

The visit of Mr Sharon is more than essential as these two country share one thing in common which is Islamic terrorism and fundamentalism. It's in the absolute interest of India to safeguard the country with the help of Israel which has controlled the terrorism to considerable extent and has experience and proven ability to crack the terrorism effectively.
Umang Shah, UK

I urge the moderate elements of Islam to unite and fight this scourge Sumer Sarin, India

Extremist Muslims everywhere are critical of any group trying to assert their Identity. They have given into the victim mentality and are not willing to take responsibility for their actions. A more moderate form of Islam does exist but voice of that section of Muslims is muted by the more dogmatic one. India, Israel, America, etc. together along with other countries cannot fight terrorism/Islamic fundamentalism. I urge the moderate elements of Islam to unite and fight this scourge which is crippling the world. The world will support them to the hilt.
Sumer Sarin, India

The visit has to be seen as a welcome development. India and Israel have too much in common which they need to develop in a secure and long lasting manner. Both nations face terrorism, cultural ties are expanding, and with India as a friend it too can surely try and ensure that the Israelis deal with the Palestinians in a fair and equitable manner. I hope that this visit leads to greater bilateral cooperation for two countries and their people who have much to offer the world.
Amit Khandelwal, UK

As much as I find Sharon's past actions distasteful, I agree that his visit is necessary. India can definitely use the military upgrades that Israel can provide - they will save Indian lives. India has to contend with many security challenges thanks to some of our neighbours. Idealism is one thing, being pragmatic in deciding the national interest is another.
Sandeep Dave, USA

Such an alliance is likely to harm, rather than benefit peace among religions David, UK

The BJP and Likud both represent the triumph of narrow religious nationalism over the more socialist roots of their respective countries. An alliance between the present governments of India and Israel is thus naturally seen as anti-Muslim. Such an alliance is likely to harm, rather than benefit peace among religions and thus peace between nations.
David, UK

Sharon's visit to India should not be overrated and Indian Muslims should not take it as a threat against them. It is merely a meeting of two leaders building bilateral relations.
Aisha Khalid, Pakistan

There is no point in being a prisoner of the past in this rapidly changing world. This could be a strategic relationship between two countries that share the same security concerns and business interests.
Znura, USA

India and Israel are natural allies K. Sharma, USA/India

This visit is four decades late in coming. India and Israel are natural allies, facing common enemies in the form of Islamic fundamentalism resulting in terrorism and killing of their innocent citizens. The coming together of these two countries was essential and hopefully, should open a new combined and powerful front against terrorists.
K. Sharma, USA/India

It appears entirely appropriate that two leaders of two nations who share similar security concerns would meet and enter into military cooperation. Israel and India both have problems in relation to Islamic extremism and both seek a continuing role within a future world of increased security, cooperation for progress furthering freedoms and peace.
Robert Morpheal, Canada

It would have been better if the Foreign Minister of Israel visited India, rather than Ariel Sharon. In light of recent events in the Middle East and his past actions, Mr Sharon is far too much of a controversial figure.
Jack, England, London

I am a Hindu Indian, and I don't like this visit! The founder of India was a peace loving man. Gandhi preached non-violence and this goes against his every teaching.
Ajeet, India