U.S. keen on expanding ties with India

By Sridhar Krishnaswami

WASHINGTON, MARCH 24. The Bush administration would continue to build on the present momentum in relations with India, and was ready to expand ties in every area, the Secretary of State, Gen. Colin Powell, told India's Ambassador, Mr. Lalit Mansingh, on Friday when the latter presented his Letter of Credence.

The 30-minute meeting at the State Department focussed on the way bilateral relations had evolved in the recent past and the outlook for the future. The ``vision statement'' and the dialogue architecture, as well as the interest in both nations to resume the high level official contacts, were discussed. Gen. Powell said the President, Mr. George W. Bush, was keen on building on the good work of the past.

Later talking to reporters, Mr. Mansingh said he told Gen. Powell that bilateral relations today ``are the best they have ever been'', and assured the Secretary of State of New Delhi's keen desire to build on the momentum as also in the commitment to achieve the goals and objectives identified by the two countries.

The two officials discussed the coming visit to the U.S. of the External Affairs Minister, Mr. Jaswant Singh, with Gen. Powell saying he was looking forward to a full discussion on a range of issues. The Secretary of State will host a lunch for Mr. Singh who is also expected to meet top Cabinet members of the Bush administration. Since Mr. Singh also holds the Defence Portfolio, he will call on the Defence Secretary, Mr. Donald Rumsfeld, as well.

According to Mr. Mansingh, there was a brief discussion on the subject of sanctions during the meeting with Gen. Powell. New Delhi's stance on the subject was conveyed and Gen. Powell said the issue was under review.

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