Naresh Chandra has a formidable, no-nonsense exterior, the kind that probably terrified recalcitrant underlings at North Block every time they failed to deliver their brief. After a long career, the ambassador is expected to move out of Washington and head for likely retirement after the prime minister visits the US in September.

But, like his brother, who twice came out of retirement to take charge in Srinagar, will Naresh Chandra ever stop serving his country? Like many who believed he would not deliver the goods in the US and lost, don't bet on it.

Part I: 'We have buried the hangover of the Cold War'

Part II: 'We've not cut any deal with the US'

    How are the Indian and US administrations going to counter the spectre of Islamic terrorism?
  The ambassador's response

   Is the setting up of the FBI office in Delhi a step towards this?
 The ambassador's response

   The fact that it is official gives the impression there is more to it than meets the eye.
 The ambassador's response

    How will the FBI office in Delhi be beneficial to India?
 The ambassador's response

    You talk about mutual co-operation to combat crime. Has the US guaranteed India satellite intercepts and things like that?
 The ambassador's response

   Is the US aware of India's concerns about China. What is Washington doing about it addressing those concerns?
The ambassador's response

   I know you are allergic to the word 'lobbying,' but are we lobbying, or to rephrase, are we speaking to US law- makers about China's transfer of missile technology to Pakistan?
  The ambassador's response

   Some members of the Indian American community have been critical of the Indian embassy. They feel you, Ambassador, do not play the US media game. Do you think the Indian American community needs to be more involved and engaged in raising India's profile in the US? Do you think they can be as influential and as important to our diplomatic initiative like the Jewish community in America?
  The ambassador's response

   Have you established relations with the US presidential candidates, Vice-President Gore and Governor Bush?
  The ambassador's response

   Will the embassy's traditional reluctance to establish a relationship with the presidential candidates hurt India in the future?
  The ambassador's response

Part I of the Interview | Part II of the Interview