Jerusalem: Contending that only dialogue could resolve outstanding issues, Commerce and Industry Minister Arun Jaitley has advised Israel to talk peace with its neighbours.

"Only dialogue has the power to resolve disputes," he said at an Israel-India Chamber of Commerce reception last night (Jan 13, 2004) to honour five outstanding Indian and Israeli promoters of bilateral commercial ties for 2003.

Stressing the importance of India's decision to restart peace talks with Pakistan, Jaitley advised Israel "to adopt the same policy" toward Palestinians and its other neighbours.

The Indian Minister is on a three-day visit to Jerusalem with a five-member delegation.

Impressed by his meetings with seven Israeli company CEOs, Jaitley said, "I am overwhelmed by the enthusiasm for India among Israeli business people. In the 10 years since diplomatic ties, relations have leaped forward on all fronts and are expanding apace.

"There are several areas in which Indian expertise enables cooperation and other areas in which India and Israel are competitors. But the two countries complement each other and we can look forward to continuing and steady expansion."

Jaitley hoped Indo-Israel business ties would double over the next year and grow by fivefold in the years to come.

"India attaches great importance to its ties with Israel. The opportunities for business in India are huge. I hope relations will grow and I hope and pray for peace in the (Middle East) region," he said.