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US acknowledges Indian concerns over China-Pak nexus

Tara Shankar Sahayin New Delhi

Foreign Secretary K Raghunath today sought to downplay India's security concern pertaining to Chinese assistance for Pakistani missiles, even as US Assistant Secretary of State for south Asia Karl Inderfurth acknowledged that Washington had taken cognisance of New Delhi's apprehensions on the Beijing-Islamabad nexus.

The very fact that Raghunath's media conference in New Delhi emphasised the positive outcome of the talks between the Indian delegation headed by the foreign secretary himself and the US delegation headed by US Permanent Representative to the UN Bill Richardson made it obvious that South Block was not anxious to dwell on the Chinese connection.

Without naming China, Raghunath, after persistent queries, maintained that India's security concerns pertaining to its neighbouring countries had been conveyed to the visiting US delegation. He ducked questions on the specific nature of the recent test-firing of Ghauri by Pakistan.

Inderfurth, on the other hand, addressing the media at the Women's Press Corps in New Delhi, pointed out that "we understand India's security concerns and interests" as a major power and "they are different from Pakistan". Inderfurth said the US had taken strong note of Pakistan's test-firing of Ghauri missile, and "we understand the Chinese angle in India's security concerns".

Raghunath described Richardson's visit as 'useful and successful', adding that it had been timely since the government of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee has just assumed office. He said Richardson conveyed to the prime minister, US President Bill Clinton's warm sentiments on shared objectives in growing Indo-US relations. He emphasised on "our common commitment to reactivate strategic dialogue".

According to the foreign secretary, the US delegation headed by Richardson also met Home Minister L K Advani and Minister of State for External Affairs Vasundhara Raje. During these meetings, the Indian side conveyed to its US counterpart, India's concerns about cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan.

While underscoring that specific bilateral issues were raised, he said both sides agreed to step up mutual trade and investment and cooperation on law enforcement. Both sides briefed each other on regional developments and the intricacies of international economy. The talks, Raghunath contended, were held in a warm and cordial atmosphere and gave out encouraging signals since they were constructive.

Replying to a question, Raghunath pointed out that India's seat on the UN Security Council was discussed and that "we believe that the UN system needs to be reformed". According to him, there must be a global process for doing this and that India was qualified in this context.

Answering another question, the foreign secretary said the US had been telling India to "continue exercising restraint on New Delhi's security postures" but India would act according to its security needs.

Asked whether the external affairs ministry had taken cognisance of the reported Chinese intrusion into Arunachal Pradesh where they had reportedly built a helipad, Raghunath answered in the affirmative and maintained that such intrusions are normally taken up with the Chinese government.

Answering another question, he said, "We have noted with concern China's assistance to other countries on missile technology and that the US recognised this dimension."

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