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Jaswant sees 'forward movement' in Indo-US talks

Tara Shankar Sahay in New Delhi

On the eve of the eighth round of talks with the United States, External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh exuded optimism -- yes, the talks are definitely going someplace despite India's rigid stance on the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty and missile programme.

"The very fact that the dialogue is continuing shows there is forward movement," Singh claimed. "There is now a better understanding of India's position than there was in May or June."

There is also no question of India being pressurised into signing the CTBT, he added.

Asked whether the talks would be successful, considering that the P-5 countries, especially the US, seem determined to pursue non-proliferation in South Asia, the minister was wary.

"Talks are not a consequence of any pressure, but are undertaken with the aim of harmonising the views of the two countries on various issues," he said.

Questioned about the American insistence that countries in South Asia should be restrained in view of the surcharged regional security scenario, Singh said, "We are restrained." He did not elaborate.

Singh's contention that India has already apprised the US of its position on the CTBT and the missile question, besides its defence posture, indicates that there is not going to be any radical breakthrough in the talks.

His main endeavour, it appears, is to 'harmonise' his views with those of US Deputy Secretary of State Strobe Talbott -- which, in other words, means understanding each other's position.

Significantly, a US official had earlier emphasised that the eighth round should not be interpreted as a 'make-or-break affair'. This indicated that the P-5 countries were willing to take more time in coming to grips with India's position.

Asked about the likely discussion of the recent attacks on Christians, Singh first said, "I don't think so." When pressed, he added he would deal with the issue "as required" if it was raised by the US.

"I am ready for that," he said.

Senior ministry officials, meanwhile, revealed that the US would be told that the issue is India's internal matter and that queries about it are not welcome. At the same time, it will be underscored that the government's efforts to maintain communal harmony have been quick and comprehensive.

Incidentally, this is the first time Singh will be talking to Talbott as India's external affairs minister. His earlier discussions were held in his capacity as the prime minister's special envoy.

UNI

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