New Delhi, July 15 (IANS) The Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) Tuesday welcomed India’s expression of “grave concern” over US and Israeli threats against Iran but said New Delhi must end military ties with Tel Aviv if it is “really concerned”. “The grave concern expressed by the government about statements from Israel and the US threatening military action against Iran is timely,” the party said in a statement.

“While the ministry of external affairs has taken note of the imminent threat of military attack by Israel and the US on Iran, this concern would have been credible only if the UPA (United Progressive Alliance) government had not helped Israel’s military capabilities.”

The CPI-M said that in January this year, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched the Israeli spy satellite TecSar.

“This advanced satellite produced by Israel and the US jointly is being used to conduct surveillance of Iran. If there is a military attack by Israel on Iran, the TecSar facilities will be invaluable.

“If the Manmohan Singh government is really concerned about the military attack on Iran, it should forthwith cancel the launch of two more satellites in this series. It should forthwith stop all military collaboration with Israel.”