Military

DATE=09/10/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-307326

TITLE=INDIA/ISRAEL (SHORT)

BYLINE=ANJANA PASRICHA

DATELINE=

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: The Israeli prime minister is cutting short his visit to India by one day in the wake of two suicide bombings that killed at least 13 people in Israel. As Anjana Pasricha reports from New Delhi, Ariel Sharon's visit to India emphasized the growing ties between the two countries.

TEXT: Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has canceled his planned visit to Bombay. Instead, after finishing his meetings in New Delhi, he will leave for Israel later Wednesday.

He was scheduled to meet Indian business leaders and members of the city's centuries-old Jewish community on a visit to Bombay on Thursday.

Soon after the first of the two bombings hit Israel on Tuesday, Mr. Sharon said at a banquet in New Delhi "we need to be determined against terror."

Mr. Sharon already has met with Indian leaders including Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee. Both governments say the visit has helped consolidate a friendship that has grown in recent years - fueled by a common concern about terrorism by Islamic militants and Israel's increasing defense sales to India.

Indian and Israeli officials say the two countries will cooperate in the global fight against terrorism, and step up already thriving trade ties. (signed)

NEB/HK/AP/KPD