NEW DELHI, June 19 (UPI) -- Israel Prime Minister Ariel Sharon telephoned his Indian counterpart Saturday and discussed bilateral relations, Indian officials said.
The details of the conversation were not disclosed, but officials said the exchange was "cordial and friendly" and both leaders agreed to maintain the existing friendly relations between their nations.
The previous Indian government, which was ousted in the May general elections, had forged close diplomatic and military ties with Israel, signing billion-dollar military contracts.
The present Indian government, headed by the Congress Party, is expected to retain those contracts, but observers say the new administration will also likely maintain good relations with Arab states.
The Congress Party had supported Arab causes at international platforms when in power more than a decade ago.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh leads a government that includes several socialist parties opposed to close ties to the United States and Israel.