Opinion Much ado

Mercifully, things have changed. India’s major airports have come a long way since, helped by privatisation and the government’s recognition that its own services in these airports have to match the gleaming glass facades and carpeted floors. Which is why it came as a rude surprise when three Israeli diplomats allegedly assaulted an immigration officer at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi last week, apparently because they were delayed at the immigration counter on their way to Kathmandu.

Israel is a one-major-airport country and most foreigners who exit through Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport are known to remember the experience. Although it has been a target of terrorist attacks, the airport is considered one of the safest in the world precisely because of the kind of security dragnet thrown around it and the stringent checks passengers are subjected to. While passengers can complain about the experience, it is hard to grudge the Israelis their elaborate security exercises, considering the threats they face. And surely, they, in turn, would be more understanding and tolerant than others about procedural delays or security drills in another country.

Arguably, then, the incident involving the Israeli diplomats in Delhi was more about patience and tact — key attributes, especially for diplomats. The Israeli embassy has done well to quickly repatriate the young diplomats and avoid further embarrassment. Israeli diplomats are considered to generally be well-disposed towards India and this aberration must remain a one-off incident between friends. So far, the Israeli and Indian response to the Delhi airport incident could be an example of how good diplomacy protects ties before an ugly incident can cast a shadow over it.