Indian Government

 

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"… We should reject self-serving arguments (that) seek to classify terrorism according to its root causes and therefore justify (a) terrorist action somewhere while condemning it elsewhere. Those that advance these arguments should explain what the root causes of the brutal acts of September 11 were…We in India know from our own bitter experience that terrorists develop global networks driven by religious extremism… [Such terrorist operations] are supported by drug trafficking, money laundering and arms smuggling..."

-- Atal Behari Vajpayee, Prime Minister, India, November 10, 2001

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"… You understand, as elected representatives of the people, that public opinion seeks action from its elected representatives when such incidents occur... We have no desire to overload the agenda of the international coalition against terrorism. But at the same time, we need to ensure that we do not tamely accept terrorist acts against us from across the borders… Killing of innocent civilians and destruction of property can only be called terrorism, whatever the justification provided… Every such manifestation has to be dealt with equally firmly... Unless and until we develop this integrated and inclusive approach to this scourge, no democratic, pluralist society can remain unthreatened by terrorism. We will remain strongly with the American people in this endeavour… `We hope Pakistan can play a constructive role in this [political reconciliation and economic reconstruction of Afghanistan.]. If indeed it has made the correct strategic choice to change, it would be a major advance towards peace in the region…'"[The response of India to the September 11 attacks and the subsequent Anthrax scare] was not motivated by tactical or foreign policy considerations. It was spontaneous. It emanated from our fellow feeling for you and from the pain of our own experience from terrorism… Terrorists will not succeed in destroying America's rich tradition of pluralism, tolerance and accommodation… "

-- Atal Behari Vajpayee, Prime Minister, India, November 8, 2001

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"… September 11 made them (the United States) see what we have been trying to make them see…[Because of the dynamics of the events of September 11] it will become difficult for any country to adopt terrorism as a state policy for achieving political ends against a neighbour…''

-- L K Advani, Home Minister, India, November 7, 2001

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"… On one side Pakistan is a close ally of America and on the other Islamabad openly sponsors terrorism in India. How can both run concurrently, I fail to understand…"
-- Farooq Abdullah, Chief Minister, Jammu and Kashmir, October 21, 2001

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"[The September 11 attacks are a] turning point in world history… For many years now, we in India have been the targets of a proxy war carried out in the form of cross-border terrorism. September 11, however, was much more than cross-border terrorism; it was cross-continental terrorism... The campaign of hate, intolerance and violence propagated by the al-Qaeda network has simply no parallel in modern world history. Therefore, the new manifestation of international terrorism is a challenge to human civilization itself… What is at work behind Al-Qaeda and similar terrorist organisations is a dangerous mindset that seeks to fundamentally redefine the premises and principles of the present world order. It challenges not only the sovereignty of individual nations, but also the universally cherished concepts like secularism, pluralism and individual freedom… Under international law, it is legitimate if anyone attacks you, you have the right to pursue… we are not aiming at terrorists training camps in Pakistan- occupied Kashmir at this point of time... We are looking forward to this global battle against terrorism and we want to make it a success … In this fight, Pakistan being on our side in the battle against terrorism is an advantage in the international effort… [But, the United States must ensure that Pakistan as a member of its coalition against terrorism does not provide haven to militants who target India] … It is the very same ISI [which had backed the Taliban] that has also been the planner, instigator and supporter of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir and in other parts of India… "Countries must ensure that those who are part of the war on terrorism are themselves not guilty of providing a safe haven to terrorists, hijackers and organizers of terrorist camps…

-- L K Advani, Home Minister, India, October 19, 2001

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Transcript of Joint Press Conference by
External Affairs Minister Shri Jaswant Singh
and the US Secretary of State Mr. Colin Powell

October 17, 2001 - New Delhi

SHRI JASWANT SINGH: Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press, Good Afternoon. It is my distinct pleasure that we have my friend Secretary of State to meet all of you. I had the occasion to meet him very recently in Washington on the 2nd of October and I am delighted to have been able to play host to him since yesterday. He leaves shortly for Shanghai.

As the Prime Minister informed the Secretary of State, we are not treating this visit by him as a visit of the Secretary of State of the United States of America, as we do of a full formal visit to India. I had a very cordial, very frank and, a very fruitful discussion with the Secretary of State yesterday where we spent just an hour and a half discussing issues together. We had a pleasant supper together and then we covered the entire range of issues bilateral to India-United States of America; regional as also global issues, and of course regional aspects covering the latest developments in Afghanistan, particularly, both September 11, and thereafter October 1st came up for a considerable extent of mutual discussion.

I do want to repeat what the Prime Minister had said in his very last address to the Joint Session of the US Congress that India and the United States of America being natural allies, I treat my friend Colin’s visit as a part of the same demonstration.

We continue to hold that September 11 was an assault on freedom, on civilisation, on democracy. India’s stand against terrorism not simply starting from September 11even before that, has been unequivocal. We stand shoulder to shoulder with the international community and the United States of America in our battle against this global menace. It is my pleasure, ladies and gentlemen, to now request my friend and guest the Secretary of State to share his thoughts with us.

MR. COLIN POWELL: Thank you very much, Mr. Minister, for your warm welcome and for your friendship as well. It means a great deal to me. I thank you and all other your colleagues, and especially the Prime Minister for the courtesies extended to me in this all too brief visit. I look forward to returning in some future time and spending much more time here in India.

As you have noted, we are natural allies - two great democracies who believe in a common set of values that have served both our nations well. President Bush had made it absolutely clear that transforming the relationship with India and to put it on a higher plane is one of his priorities. I found that this view is entirely shared by Prime Minister Vajpayee and his colleagues as well. The United States and India have a responsibility, as the world’s largest multi-ethnic democracies, to work in close partnership with each other. The prospects have never been brighter for cooperation across a whole range of issues. We have discussed all of these issues in the past dozen or so hours. President Bush asked me to come here to discuss the global coalition against terrorism on how the United States and India can continue their efforts over the long haul.

As an aside I might mention here now that we know the Prime Minister will be coming to the United States for the United Nations General Assembly meeting in early November, and President Bush has extended an invitation to the Prime Minister to come to Washington on the 9th of November for a working visit. Both the President and we look forward to receiving the Prime Minister in Washington on the 9th of November. I am also pleased that, of course, that invitation has been accepted. I can assure you will be warmly welcomed Mr. Minister.

President Bush also asked me to convey his personal thanks to the Prime Minister for the support we have already received from India and especially Foreign Minister Singh who has been in the forefront of developing and presenting those support offers to us over the past month. We have stood shoulder to shoulder in this fight against terrorism. Both the United States and India were quick to realise that the attacks of September 11th were attacks on the whole world. Citizens of some eighty countries were among the victims including many Indian citizens who remained among the missing. Our hearts go out to the families here in India of those who were lost. Our heartfelt thanks to the people of India for the outpouring of sympathy we have received for our own losses in the attacks.

I want to make it clear that our focus in Afghanistan now is eradicating Al Qaeda network and the terrorist use of Afghanistan as a safe haven, to stop the invasion of Afghanistan that has taken place as a result of the presence of Al Qaeda. We will achieve that goal. President Bush and the international coalition is determined. We will persist and we will prevail. Only after the terrorists are gone can there be a broad-based Government in Afghanistan that represents all elements of Afghan society, brings an end to fighting, lives in harmony with its neighbours in the neighbourhood that coexist, begins the task of reconstruction, and welcomes the refugees back home.

My colleagues here pointed out correctly that the problem of terrorism is not only limited to Afghanistan. I assure them that our efforts are directed against all terrorism. The United States and India are united against terrorism and that includes the terrorism that has been directed against India as well. Even before the September 11th attacks, the United States and India were cooperating extensively against terrorism. We established a Counter-Terrorism Joint Working Group last January, for example. Now our cooperation is even more intense. Today, Home Minister Advani and I signed a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty that will enhance our fight against crime.

Clearly, a major focus of my trip has been on ways the United States and India can work together in advancing the international coalition against terrorism. My talks with the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister and other officials covered many other important issues as well. We agreed on the far-reaching importance of the new Indo-US relationship which is anchored by the commitment of our leaders and by the friendship of our peoples. I am confident that our relations, already improving substantially, are becoming and will become even stronger.

President Bush’s waiver of Glenn Amendment sanctions allows the United States and India to move forward with broader cooperation between the two sides. During the course of my visit, I had occasion to discuss President Bush’s new strategic framework and I briefed the Prime Minister on our continuing exchanges with Russia on this very very vital subject. We discussed how to promote stability on the subcontinent in my talks both here and in Pakistan. I request the leaders of both the nations to continue their dialogue and take steps to reduce tension between them. I leave today for the APEC Ministerial, confident that the United States and India stand together against the scourge of international terrorism, strengthened by our shared democratic values, and ready as never before to work together for freedom, prosperity, and security in the region and in the world. Finally, once again my good friend, I thank you for the warm hospitality you have extended to me. Thank you Mr. Minister.

MS. NIRUPAMA RAO: Ladies and Gentlemen, the Secretary of State and the External Affairs Minister will now take questions. We will have three questions from each side. We will begin with the first question from the Indian side and follow that sequence with the American side asking the second question.

Please indicate to whom you are addressing the question and identify yourself while asking the question.

QUESTION (MR. ASHOK SHARMA, AP): Sir, we wonder how can Pakistan be a part of the international effort to combat terrorism. Pakistan has promoted terrorism in Afghanistan and in Kashmir. It still maintains diplomatic ties with the Taliban. Should not India be attacking Pakistan going by the logic that the United States is attacking Afghanistan?

SHRI JASWANT SINGH: I presume that question is addressed to me.

MR. COLIN POWELL: You can take it. I would not want to be inhospitable. If you wish, its all yours.

I think Pakistan has made it clear in recent weeks that they recognise the nature of the Taliban regime, and are working with us to fight against Al Qaeda. They are working with us to see what kind of a Government can be put together in the post-Taliban regime. We deplore terrorism wherever it exists, whether it is the kind of terrorism we saw on the 11th of September, or the kind of terrorism that we saw on the 1st of October in Srinagar. We believe that all nations who are trying to move forward in a 21st century that I think will be shaped more and more by democracy and the values of individual liberty and freedom, can join in this coalition. We welcome all those who are committed to those principles and committed against terrorism.

QUESTION (MR. GEORGE GEDDA, AP): Mr. Secretary, you said yesterday in Pakistan that Kashmir is a central issue between India and Pakistan. You also said the aspirations of the Kashmiri people must be respected. This caused some unease here in India. Do you have any comment please?

MR. COLIN POWELL: Yes. I didn’t say ‘a central’. If you look at it carefully, I said ‘central’ in the sense that I believe it is an important issue, and to suggest that it isn’t, wouldn’t have been accurate. But it is more important to look at the rest of my statement where I said that we should move forward on the basis of dialogue, on the basis of efforts to reduce tension, to avoid violence, and with respect to human rights. I think that is a sound statement.

The issue of Kashmir is one that has to be resolved between India and Pakistan. The United States is a friend of both of those nations. To the extent that both nations can find our efforts to be helpful in some way or the other, we will be willing to be helpful. I think it is more important to focus on the rest of my statement than on that particular word, which has somehow had an article slipped in front of it while I wasn’t looking.

QUESTION (MR. ANIL NARENDRA, VIR ARJUN): Osama-bin-Laden in an interview to Al Jazeera TV claimed that the Islamic world had helped Pakistan build the nuclear bomb and as such it is an Islamic bomb, and can be used by them as and when they choose. Your comments please.

MR. COLIN POWELL: Nonsense. Osama-bin-Laden is not a representative of Islam. He is a terrorist; he is a murderer. He has murdered innocent Indians, innocent Americans, innocent Pakistanis, innocent people from all over the world. He should not in any way be elevated to the status of a leader who believes in any faith. He believes only in power. He has done nothing to help the people who are suffering in the world. All he has done is, he has brought more evil into the world, and death and destruction to individual citizens. There can be no linkage between what he might be doing and what any other nation may be doing. I just reject that as nonsense.

QUESTION (MR. PATRICK TYLER, NEW YORK TIMES): Mr. Secretary, a couple of summers ago the Central Intelligence Agency was reported to suggest that the America’s plans to go forward with the National Missile Defence would incite China to expand its nuclear arsenal, and that in turn will incite India and Pakistan to an arms race in South Asia. Do you personally agree with that assessment? You said you discussed the strategic issues today. How did it come up today?

MR. COLIN POWELL: No, I don’t agree with that assessment. I think the kind of missile defence that we are planning on is a very limited missile defence. I think once people come to understand the kind of reductions we are going to make in our strategic offensive weapons - significant reductions, to much much lower numbers – and when people have a chance to get a look in, come to understand the nature of our limited missile defence, I don’t think either Russia or China will find it destabilising with respect to their deterrent forces. In my conversations both here and in Islamabad, I heard from both sides about this issue. We did have the conversation. I took the opportunity of my meeting with the Prime Minister to describe the President’s strategic framework concept and to thank the Indians for their understanding of the importance of missile defence. I get the sense that both nations understand the nature of these weapons and the importance of constraining their developments so that they serve as deterrents, and do not move from a strategy of deterrence to any other kind of strategy. So there is no reason for arms race to develop based on what the United States is planning with missile defence. In fact, I think missile defence in the long run will be seen as stabilising, not destabilising, because it takes something of the currency away from the value of strategic offensive weapons.

QUESTION (MS. SONIA TRIKHA, INDIAN EXPRESS): My question is addressed to both of you. Mr. Secretary, you said in Islamabad yesterday that you believed that the Kashmir issue is central to the relationship between India and Pakistan. This is not a view shared by India which has advocated a composite dialogue covering various political and economic aspects with Pakistan, and not a unifocal approach, as you have said, that centres on Kashmir alone. Do you think that the world sees the wisdom of India’s stand in this?

SHRI JASWANT SINGH: I think the Secretary of State has more than adequately really read out what he said in Islamabad. Obviously that is the position that the United States of America has and has had. As two democracies we could disagree on an event, but we don’t need necessarily to be disagreeable about the disagreement. Together, the question of State of Jammu and Kashmir is an example of the secular tradition of the Indian nation. In that sense we really cannot move towards reinventing the two-nation theory all over again. We have conveyed these views to the Secretary of State and we will continue to do so.

MR. COLIN POWELL: I agree totally.

QUESTION (MARATHA RADDATZ, ABC): Secretary Powell, there was a strain of Anthrax found on the letter to Senator Dashcle that is said to be highly refined and pure, suggesting state sponsorship. Could you comment on that?

Mr. Foreign Minister, could you tell me what your concerns are about the involving and growing relationship between the United States and Pakistan; and have you assured the United States that you will do your part to calm down tensions in Kashmir?

SHRI JASWANT SINGH: I can answer that very easily. I am glad you asked that. The relationship that India has and will develop with the United States of America is not a hyphenated relationship. We don’t see it through any prism of relation between any other country. We have a relationship with our western neighbour. We are committed. This Government has demonstrated commitment on improving our relations with Pakistan, as perhaps no other Government in the last fifty years has, despite difficulties and uncertainties. The Prime Minister has often said, and I repeated that to the Secretary of State, that you can change friends but you can’t change neighbours. We can certainly not alter geography. Pakistan with India has to learn to live together as good neighbours. It will come, be assured. We cannot push the pace of it. Nobody can push the pace of it. The people of the two countries realise the essential sanity of what the Prime Minister of India has repeatedly said that the two people have to learn, have to forget the the mistakes of the past fifty years, and we have to learn to live together as we address what are our real enemies of today – poverty, want - as the two countries endeavour to move together in the 21st century and meet the challenges of the 21st century.

MR. COLIN POWELL: I really can’t add anything about the Anthrax story and the Dashcle envelope and what they analysed. I just have not any more information than you would really have from Washington. So, I had better stay away from that.

QUESTION (MR. ANURAG TOMAR, ZEE NEWS): Mr. Secretary, Powell, what is your perception about India-US relations after having a whole lot of meetings on important issues with senior Indian leaders? Where does it stand today? Where does it go?

MR. COLIN POWELL: I think our relations are strong. They have improved so much in recent years. I was saying to my colleagues earlier that as the Chief of Joint Chiefs of Staff and the most of years I spent in senior positions in the US military back in the 70s and through the 80s, we really didn’t have much to do with India regrettably. That has now all changed. So, these two great democracies can now work together. Here is a mutual interest. We are trying to remove whatever irritations exist in our relationship. This improvement was taking place before the 11th of September, and since the 11th of September, with the strong support that we received from the Indian Government. We have the opportunity to accelerate the pace of change. We look forward to seize on that opportunity. I think it will be in the interest not only of our two countries but in the interest of South Asia as well.

QUESTION (ANDREA MITCHELL, NBC NEWS): Mr. Secretary, can you share any information about what just happened in Jerusalem with the shooting of a Cabinet Minister; and how this will affect your efforts to try to persuade both sides to resume a more meaningful dialogue and persuade the Israelis in particular not to take counter action?

MR. COLIN POWELL: I just heard about that before the Press Conference. I don’t know the details as to who has taken credit for the shooting and what the nature of the incident was. So, I really don’t have a comment at this time.

QUESTION (ANDREA MITCHELL, NBC NEWS): Are you going to try to reach out to Mr. Sharon and try to persuade him that no matter what has happened in this instance that he should not retreat from …

MR. COLIN POWELL: I think I had better understand the incidents before I suggest that to Mr. Sharon. But, as you know, I speak to him on a regular basis, if not daily, every other day or so. I look forward to doing that the next day or so.

QUESTION (ANDREA MITCHELL, NBC NEWS): Mr. Foreign Minister, in particular, on the subject of the US Congress now lifting some remaining sanctions and the expressed proposal by the Administration to follow it up by taking advantage of the waving, granting more economic aid and possibly military aid in the future to Pakistan, do you think that this economic aid to Pakistan is potentially destabilising to the relationship that India has with the United States? Is this too much of a reward for Pakistan …

SHRI JASWANT SINGH: I understand your question. I have just responded to a similar question. India’s relationship with the United States of America is not subject, and is not under the veto of any other relationship. These are two sovereign countries. It is very good luck to our western neighbours in Pakistan. It is my hope that they will utilise the economic aid for the right purpose. But that again is something that Pakistan has to decide. I can’t really very well decide for Pakistan, or even ordained to advise Pakistan how they should do it. We have a certain experience about the military aid to Pakistan in the past. Now that we see some evidence of Pakistan moving away from fixed positions of the past and joining the rest of the international community, we can only hope that the same approach will govern the utilisation of any aid or assistance that they receive from the United States of America or from any other country.

MS. NIRUPAMA RAO: Thank you very much. I am afraid we will have to conclude here.

(Concluded)

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"… If this (al-Qaeda's appeal to the US not to help Hindus against Muslims in Kashmir) is true, then it is a serious challenge. We will have to combat it together… In fact, Pakistan [is not benefiting in the present situation, but] is in trouble. India's diplomacy is going in the right direction"...

-- Atal Behari Vajpayee, Prime Minister, India, October 16, 2001

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"…The firing on Monday [October 15] was not initiated by India… It was one of those actions the army takes on a daily basis all along the LoC and the International Border… India will be ruthless in dealing with infiltrations and the kind of methods used by (infiltrators), whether it is laying mines or suicide encounters like the one outside the [Jammu and Kashmir Legislative] Assembly building… All of these are actions of the Pakistani terrorists. One has to be very ruthless in dealing them…"

-- George Fernandes, Defence Minister, India, October 16, 2001

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"… In our battle against terrorism, we need to take people from all religions and communities with us. Religion does not permit the killing of innocents. Let us not forget that many of those killed in the Kashmir Valley were blameless Muslims. But those who create trouble don’t make a distinction between terrorism and religion… [The world has only recently recognised the dangers of terrorism] … But what we have done is not enough — we need to pull it out by its roots. We are determined to secure the lives of all our citizens. There will be no compromise in our battle against terrorism…’’

-- Atal Behari Vajpayee, Prime Minister, India, October 14, 2001

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Transcript of the Press Conference Addressed by
India’s External Affairs and Defence Minister
Jaswant Singh,
October 11, 2001

Opening remarks:

I am glad to meet you again and to share news and views.

The world after September 11 is a very different world.

I had occasion to discuss this earlier on September 21. Since then, there have been significant developments.

The international coalition has initiated military action.

Let me, therefore, share the outlines of the military situation in Afghanistan as on October 11, 2001.

There is now increased focus on the future structure in Afghanistan, so as to bring lasting peace and stability to this war-torn land, also to ensure that Afghanistan as both a training ground and a sanctuary for terrorists, also as the center of narcotics trade, once again becomes a country, a society that does not radiate extremism and fundamentalism.

India has always supported an independent, broad-based, multi-ethnic government in Afghanistan. We are working with international community towards this end.

India has traditionally been a major partner in Afghanistan’s development effort. We have continued our assistance, though diminished by present circumstances. I am to announce that the Government has taken a decision to enhance significantly our humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan. We would be supplying one million tonnes of wheat and also supplying tents and blankets and quilts. We also seek to expand medical services and in particular rehabilitation efforts such as through the ‘Jaipur Foot’.

In view of the traditional and deep-rooted historical and cultural linkages between India and Afghanistan, India will also participate actively in the rehabilitation and reconstruction effort required once peace and stability have been restored to that country. This will be through infrastructure development, education, medical and other projects, all under the aegis of Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation, which uptill 1979, was our largest single such programme.

India has been in active touch with other countries in this collective effort to ensure that the current campaign against international terrorism is taken to its logical conclusion, and with the least possible collateral consequences on the civil society of Afghanistan.

I had myself recently visited the US, UK, France and Germany. I had conversations on telephone with leaders from a large number of countries including Russia, China, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Egypt, Canada, the Secretary General of the Arab League; consultations are slated with France, Turkey, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. You would also be interested in knowing that the Russian Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Ilya Klebanov is visiting New Delhi from the 14th to 16th October. US Secretary of State Mr. Colin Powell will also in New Delhi in the near future. In addition, we are looking forward to consultations with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Mohsen Aminzadeh on the 15th October, and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Trubnikov on 18-19 October during the meeting of the Indo-Russian Working Group on Afghanistan.

Prime Minister has also been in touch with several world leaders including from US, UK, Russia and Pakistan.

Even as we watch the unfolding international campaign against terrorism, there are clear signs of the international community’s determination to deal conclusively with the scourge. The UN Security Council, for instance, unanimously adopted Resolution 1373, on 28 September, which mandates stoppage of funding for terrorists, denying them safe haven and any form of support. OIC Foreign Ministers met in an emergency session in Doha on October 10 and adopted a communique condemning acts of terrorism.

As you all know, India has for nearly two decades faced this problem of terrorism, sponsored from abroad, and has drawn attention to the need for strengthened international cooperation to deal with the scourge which recognises no national boundaries. It was with this in mind that we are continuing discussions at the UN on a Comprehensive Convention against International Terrorism.

I am confident that with this renewed international focus and determination, we would move towards a world where innocent civilians are not targeted, terrorism is rejected as an instrument of state policy, and there is no acceptance of any political, religious or any other attempted justification for such criminal acts.

DATE	AIRCRAFTS/MISSILES	TARGETS	DAMAGE
07/08 OCT NIGHT	40 AIR-CRAFTS 50 MISSILES	KABUL,JALALABAD, KANDAHAR, HERAT, MAZAR-I-SHARIF, KUNDUZ	DEF HQ,TV TOWER, OILDEPOT, COMMAND AND CONTROL CENTRE-KANDAHAR
08/09 OCT NIGHT	15 AIRCRAFTS 15 MISSILES	KABUL, KANDAHAR, HEART, MAZAR-I-SHARIF, KUNDUZ	AD WEAPONS RADARS 3X AIR CRAFTS
09 OCT 1315 HRS 09 OCT NIGHT	AIR CRAFTS   20 AIR CRAFTS	KANDAHAR   KABUL, KANDAHAR, HEART	MILITARY BASES,OIL INSTALLATIONS, RADARS,AD WEAPONS
10 OCT DAY	20 AIR CRAFTS, UNSP CRUISE MISSILES	KABUL, KANDAHAR, MAZAR

SITUATION IN AFGHANISTAN – 11 OCTOBER 2001

1. Coalition Strikes

1. Kabul, Kandahar, Sindand, Herat, Shibergan, Mazar-I-Sherif and Kunduz targeted during last 24 hours.
2. Taliban air defence, air power considerably degraded.
3. Command and control and logistics systems likely to be in disarray.

2. Northern Alliances

1. Fighting reported in Takhar, Bamyan provinces and South of Mazar-I-Sharif.
2. Meeting between Dr. Rabbani and President Rakhmanov held.
3. Two Northern Alliance local field commanders killed in fighting in Samangan province.

3. Taliban

1. Two Taliban helicopters that were impounded by Pakistan returned to Afghanistan.
2. Two close relatives of Mullah Omar and several Taliban commanders reportedly killed.
3. Total Taliban casualty reported so far:

1. Killed – 76
2. Wounded – 100 (appx)

4. Assesment

1. Coalition strikes likely to continue intermittently round the clock.
2. Northern Alliance will, reportedly, continue its offensives in Takhar, Ghor, Bamyan and towards Mazar-I-Sharif.
3. Taliban continues its defence against coalition forces attacks.

(Question and Answer Session)

QUESTION (MR. VIJAY NAIK, SAKAL PAPERS): There are reports that Mr. Powell, when he comes here, would like both India and Pakistan to lower the tempers and continue the dialogue. Is there a possibility of resumption of dialogue with Pakistan?

 

SHRI JASWANT SINGH: I think it was in this very hall perhaps on 21st of September I had said that India will do nothing to add to the current disturbed and trying situation - complex situation, complex both for the people and the Government of Pakistan - in that country. Most regrettably, barely ten days later followed what we have witnessed at the State Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir in Srinagar. India never has done anything to raise tempers. The Prime Minister has said that this is not India’s way; we will not engage. But, it has to be reciprocated. There must be a recognition. The Prime Minister has said that this is not a one-way street.

 

QUESTION (MR. JAIRAM, INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE): Could you tell us the broad contours of the Government’s plans for Afghanistan after the Taliban? You said that a broad-based Government should replace Taliban.

 

SHRI JASWANT SINGH: I think I can share some initial thoughts, and what the thinking of the world community is in this regard. But, you will appreciate that I cannot give any definitive answer. I cleared India’s position and approach in this matter. India stands for a multi-ethnic Government that represents all sections of Afghan society. We do believe that this land that has been ravaged by wars for over twenty years now must return to peace and normalcy. There are a number of attempts being made. India has expressed its view so as to ensure that Afghanistan does not all over again become a centre that radiates extremism or fundamentalism, or remains a centre for narcotics trade. We have also said that India is of the view that rather than being personality-based, the future that is sought is much better if it is process-based.

 

QUESTION (DR. MANAS BANERJEE, DAINIK AGRADOOT): Time and again India is asking US to ban Jaish-e-Muhammad. Cannot India do it alone independently? What is the problem for India in banning this organisation?

 

SHRI JASWANT SINGH: I must explain this. It is not simply a question of Jaish-e-Muhammad, there are a number of other organisations. Indian legal provisions do not actually enable us to ban organisations that have no physical assets or any other facilities within the country. In case of such organisations that are within the country which merit banning, the Government has taken prompt action.

QUESTION (MS. BULA, THE STATESMAN): There were reports from Islamabad quoting officials that if the Prime Minister cannot visit Pakistan soon, you should visit as early as possible. Have you received any such invitation officially? If so, when do you intend to go?

SHRI JASWANT SINGH: Firstly, I have not received, what you term as, any official invitation in this regard. I am privy to the conversation that was held between His Excellency Gen. Pervez Musharraf sahab, the President of Pakistan and my Prime Minister, in which this idea did certainly feature. I have no plans of visiting Pakistan. I have not received any invitation in this regard. Even if I had received an invitation, it will be very difficult for me – given the current obligations that I have and no doubt the current preoccupations Pakistan has – to undertake any such visit.

QUESTION (MR. NARAYANAN, ALL INDIA RADIO): Do you see hot pursuit into Pak-Occupied Kashmir as a possible option in the coming months, if the kind of outrages like the Assembly attack continue?

SHRI JASWANT SINGH: I do not.

QUESTION (MR. ARNAB GOSWAMI, STAR NEWS): In the light of certain decisions taken by Gen. Musharraf recently, is New Delhi convinced that the General is serious about, and totally committed to rid his Government of elements of Taliban?

SHRI JASWANT SINGH: I prefer not to comment on the seriousness or otherwise of the intentions of His Excellency the President of Pakistan. That is really something for Pakistan to decide. I would take at face value whatever he has asserted. But, I will have to wait and watch and see the ground result over time of what is taken or announced as a decision.

QUESTION (MS. SHOBHANA JAIN, UNI VARTA): Would you comment on India’s reaction on OIC’s resolution on terrorism?

SHRI JASWANT SINGH: I have referred to the OIC resolution on terrorism. I am glad that OIC has condemned terrorism. It is an aspect that the Government of India welcomes. There is, therefore, nothing as far as I am concerned that is objectionable in the OIC resolution communique that has recently been adopted at Doha. If you are referring to any particular aspect of the communique, then I would attempt to answer.

QUESTION (MS. SHOBHANA JAIN, UNI VARTA): The resolution does not mention Kashmir.

SHRI JASWANT SINGH: "Whether I should express disappointment at the fact that they have not mentioned Jammu and Kashmir", if that is what you wanted to say, well, I am sure I have to disappoint you.

QUESTION (MR. V. P. SHARMA): You have mentioned that India is ready to give assistance to Afghan people on humanitarian grounds. Is Government of India making some arrangements for this? For example, if people come from Afghanistan as refugees to India, will they be allowed? If so, where will they be accommodated, and how much money has been allocated for this?

SHRI JASWANT SINGH: Yes, we will. We received reports that some Sikhs and Hindus from Afghanistan fled the current situation and left their country and were stranded at Wagha without passports or any other travel documents. We have made special arrangements for our Mission to send somebody to Wagha and to get them visas and travel papers onsite. Of course, the Government of India provides them every possible assistance once they are here.

QUESTION (MS. PADMA RAO): This is a Germany-related question. The German Foreign Secretary is arriving tomorrow, and so is the German Chancellor later this month. There has been much talk of a strategic dialogue beginning in place of what was being termed as a purely business visit. Could you throw a little light upon this strategic dialogue and as to whether what you originally intended to talk to the German Government about has changed over the last couple of months?

SHRI JASWANT SINGH: As you know, I have recently been to Berlin when I had occasion to call on His Excellency the Chancellor. Herr Schroeder was due to visit Delhi, I believe, on 29th of October. I am due to meet the equivalent of the Foreign Secretary as well because that is a part of the routine conversation between our two Ministries. This aspect of upgrading the current relationship between India and Germany into a strategic dialogue did come up during my recent visit to Germany. We will be moving in that direction. Until we have achieved it, it will be premature for me to give any outlines or even contents of such a dialogue. But, the strategic dialogue, as the name itself suggests, is strategic in content and purpose.

QUESTION (SATINDRA BINDRA, CNN): You have just ruled out hot pursuit. The UNI has carried some comments made by Indian Prime Minister. He says he does not rule out the military option at this time. Mr. Minister, don’t you think these two statements appear contrary to each other? Your comments please.

SHRI JASWANT SINGH: I do not know which comment of the Prime Minister you are referring to or when he said this to UNI.

QUESTION (SATINDRA BINDRA, CNN): Can I read it out? He said, "We are discussing the matter and a military operation on this might be launched after considering all the options." This report is datelined Varanasi. The lead of the report goes, "Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today did not rule out military action to flush out terrorists from Jammu and Kashmir".

SHRI JASWANT SINGH: A military option to flush out terrorists from within the State of Jammu and Kashmir is, of course, not ruled out. The question does not relate to hot pursuit.

QUESTION (MR. AJAY KUMAR, AAJ TAK): Gen. Musharraf said to Prime Minister Vajpayee that talks between the two countries should continue. Before that he said that what is happening in Kashmir is a freedom struggle. In view of this, do you think there is a common ground between India and Pakistan at all?

SHRI JASWANT SINGH: There are two parts to your question. One is that the talks should start again. Hon. Prime Minister has reminded the General Sahab that the series of talks were always started by India whether it was in Lahore on the Bus or at Agra. It is not necessary to remind the General Sahab of the difficulties that came up in that process, of Kargill happening after Lahore and Agra happening after Kandahar, and the killings, etc. The Prime minister said that our wish was that we meet in Agra so that the train of talks kept moving. But, our neighbours’ attitude is such that the train has stopped. To move it again it is necessary that the weapon of terrorism which they are wielding is given up. India has never feared talks. But, as long as the atmosphere is not created for talks, how can we talk?

QUESTION (MR. SATISH JACOB, BBC): I am sure you know that Indian journalists have been denied visas to go to Pakistan. I consider that as a deprivation of our rights as journalists. Don’t you think that you should, in your capacity as the Minister of External Affairs of India, take up with the Government of Pakistan that journalists from India should be allowed access to cover what is going on in Afghanistan?

SHRI JASWANT SINGH: Certainly. I cannot agree more with you in that regard. I have already advised our Mission to initiate a request in that regard. As you know, India has never stepped in the way of journalists, or commentators, or whosoever, from Pakistan to come to India. We do believe that presently when such momentous developments are taking place in Pakistan and Afghanistan, Indian journalists be denied access to the development is – well, I do not wish to comment on the philosophy of freedom of press, etc., that really is something for Pakistan to address – certainly a deprivation. We have already taken it up. Now that you asked me to do so - it is not a question, it is really a demand on me - I will certainly pursue it.

QUESTION (MR. RANJIT KUMAR, NAVBHARAT TIMES): You said in your statement that Pakistan has returned two helicopters to Taliban. Does this mean that Pakistan has not given military assistance to Taliban and that Pakistan has not done anything to go against the US lead coalition against Taliban?

SHRI JASWANT SINGH: How do I refer to it? In the present circumstances, how proper would it be for me to comment on this? It may be taken as a complaint against our friends. But, they are military helicopters. They left Afghanistan because, as I said, Taliban’s air assets - aerodromes, radars, etc., - were being attacked. They thought that they would leave Afghanistan and go to the friendly neighbour Pakistan and so, they have gone there and got arrested. They should have stayed there, but they are returned now. If they were military helicopters before, I do not think they would be used for peaceful purposes now.

QUESTION (MR. ANURAG TOMAR, ZEE NEWS): During the forthcoming visit of Mr. Powell to Pakistan and India, Kashmir is likely to figure in the talks. From Shimla to Agra, India has been insisting that Kashmir is a bilateral issue. What is your reaction to this?

SHRI JASWANT SINGH: My reaction is quite clear. Pakistan has every right to talk to whosoever it wants to talk to. How can I tell them to talk with somebody on some issue or not to talk with somebody on some issue? As far as India is concerned, our view has always been clear that Jammu and Kashmir is not an international issue; Jammu and Kashmir is a bilateral issue. And, this has been an issue because there has been repeated interference of our neighbours in it. So, the dialogue that is to take place will be a bilateral dialogue. If someone else talks with us about the international situation as to what is there in Jammu and Kashmir, as to what is happening there, we have no fear of talking on any issue. We will once again get an opportunity to repeat as to what are the aspects of that issue and what are the realities of that issue. There is no objection to this.

QUESTION (MR. RAJDEEP SARDESAI, STAR NEWS): I have one question and one petition to you.

Given what you said is the situation on the ground in terms of Talibans’ air defences being destroyed and Commanders having been killed, could you wear your Defence Minister’s hat and tell us how soon you believe this conflict in terms of air strikes would end? Do you believe that Taliban would, within a fortnight, find it very difficult to survive?

My petition is a reiteration of the point Mr. Jacob made just now. Could you possibly at your level take up the matter of journalists getting access to Pakistan? Freedom of information between the two countries is a part of the SAARC Charter. It has to be done at your level or at the level of the Prime Minister. It cannot be done at our level. We request you to take that point further.

SHRI JASWANT SINGH: I will answer both your question and petition. It is very unusual and, if I might say so, it is a somewhat flattering experience for me in a full-fledged press conference rather than to be questioned or grilled to be petitioned.

I agree with you. Besides the fact that it is a part of the SAARC charter, developments in the region warrant that Indian journalists not be prevented from going there and cover the events. I mentioned to you that we have advised our Mission to take it up. Currently, Pakistan goes through a certain situation, as you know. Access to some television channels has also now been denied. I know for a fact that my Mission can no longer access, the channels from India that it was earlier accessing. This is an action not taken directly against the Mission but against the cable network operators of Pakistan. It is well within Pakistan’s sovereign right to take whatever action it wishes to against its own cable network operators. But it has a consequence on my Mission. I am taking steps to correct that situation as best as I can. So far as urging yet again the Government of Pakistan to reconsider this total ban on journalists from India to visit Pakistan and Afghanistan, I assure you I will do so latest by tomorrow and I will do my best in this regard.

QUESTION (MR. RAJDEEP SARDESAI, STAR NEWS): One word from you to Mr. Sattar is enough.

SHRI JASWANT SINGH: It is flattering to hear that one word would suffice. But, I will try.

Secondly, you want from me, as the Defence Minister of the country, my assessment of the evolution of the military situation in Afghanistan. My best guide in this regard is the assessment of both my counterpart and friend Secretary of State for Defence Rumsfeld as also the pronouncements made by President Bush himself. President bush has said that this is going to be long drawn out. So has Secretary of State for Defence Rumsfeld. Long drawn out has two dimensions. In a global sense, of course, it is long drawn out. It will be simplistic to think that it is a short-term affair. Long drawn out in the context of action against Taliban and its forces in Afghanistan has got to be seen in time dimension as it is global. It is our assessment that there could possibly be a lull in the air action tomorrow, being Jumma, but it would resume the day after. In fact, it would be now both night and day attacks. If you examine the military situation, uptill now the Taliban military assets that have been neutralised are largely the air power components – airfields, radars, some of their flying ability, communications and command. They still do have other military assets. The air strikes uptill now have been not so much on the forward positions of the Taliban forces, but much more on the reserve and rear positions. I can say with a fair degree of certainty that we will see more air action by day and night, including action against the remaining military assets of Taliban forces also, of further degradation of the communication links between the Taliban and its forces including the supply routes. Thereafter will come a little phase of pounding the forward positions of the Taliban forces, which I believe will be followed by renewed military action by the Northern Alliance. I do not see it in the short-term. I cannot speculate or give you a timeframe within which all this activity will take place.

QUESTION (MR. RAJIV SHARMA, THE TRIBUNE): You talked of military degradation of Taliban. What about the terrorist camps? American strikes so far have not covered places like Khost which are on the border with Pakistan. Do you think America’s Operation Enduring Freedom will really mean enduring freedom in Kashmir for India when these terrorist camps are not eliminated?

SHRI JASWANT SINGH: We are a free country. What do you mean by ‘freedom for India’?

QUESTION (MR. RAJIV SHARMA, THE TRIBUNE): Do you think that Operation Enduring Freedom would be logical if terrorist training camps in Afghanistan and places like Khost and others which are on the border with Pakistan are not destroyed?

SHRI JASWANT SINGH: I think these terrorist training camps will be neutralised. Please recognise one very important aspect. Neutralisation of Afghanistan as a centre of training, of promoting, thereafter exporting terrorists and terrorist-related ideas, neutralisation of Afghanistan as a terrorist base, is of direct benefit to India’s national interests because most of the training camps that were earlier located nearer Jammu and Kashmir were moved into Afghanistan. Their neutralisation converting Afghanistan from what it is today to a country that rejoins the international community is a direct benefit to Indian national interest.

QUESTION (MR. VAKIL KASHUR GAZETTE) : Why is India shying away from hot pursuit which is in the interest of Kashmir? Thousands of Talibans are fighting against our forces there.

SHRI JASWANT SINGH: All factors are taken into account when determining the policy. All the factors that go into determining the policy, it will be difficult for me to detail in a press conference.

QUESTION (THE NEW INDIAN EXPRESS): I would like to know whether any assurance was given by US President Bush to our Prime Minister Vajpayee that there would be a ban on militant organisation Jaish-e-Muhammad. If so, can we expect such a ban during the visit of Mr. Colin Powell?

SHRI JASWANT SINGH: You would appreciate that what transpires in a conversation between two Heads of Government is confidential. I am not free to divulge what was discussed or what was left out from discussion. As to what will be said, or discussed, or announced by Secretary of State Colin Powell when he comes here, why don’t you wait until he is here?

QUESTION (MR. ROHIT CNN): When an attack happened on the United States, US President went out and said that he would smoke terrorists out from wherever they are hiding. When it comes to India’s reaction, for a country which has been facing more than ten years of terrorism, India seems to have a subdued reaction over the years.

SHRI JASWANT SINGH: Well, India reacts as India reacts. So far as the first of October attacks against the State Assembly of Kashmir is concerned, I think globally there was a reaction that it is an outrageous act. I do not think there was anything muted or subdued in India’s reaction. I have said that for 20 years India has been fighting its battle against terrorism alone. We intend to continue and fight this battle until we have resolved this issue. It is very good that such large parts of the international community now recognise the menace of international terrorism. As I have said earlier, it is not as if India has joined the battle of the United States of America. Post-September 11, it is the United States of America that has joined India’s battle. It is a battle against terrorism. That is a resolve on the part of the United States of America to fight it until it is rooted out. I do not think one need make statements on every policy intent that we want to pursue.

QUESTION (MR. MUKESH KUMAR SINGH, AAJ KI BAAT): Right from the beginning India has welcomed military action by America. Is there a chance of Indian forces taking active part in the ongoing military operations?

SHRI JASWANT SINGH: No. India is extending the cooperation it has to extend. Our saying that in this fight against terrorism we stand by the international community in itself is a big step in cooperation. Neither there is a need for Indian forces to go there, nor there is any such plan.

QUESTION: You said that there will be a lull tomorrow.

SHRI JASWANT SINGH: I did not say there ‘will’ be.

QUESTION: Okay. At the same time you also do not foresee the battle ending in the near future.

SHRI JASWANT SINGH: Yes, I did say that it is not likely to end in the near future.

QUESTION: The months of Ramzan are not very far away, they will approach in a couple of weeks. How do you see this battle during Ramzan?

SHRI JASWANT SINGH: I am sure these facts have been taken into account by the planners. I cannot speculate as to how it will be carried. I believe that it is not a short-term battle. I do believe that it is likely to continue for some time.

QUESTION (AAPKA TV): As the strikes continue in Afghanistan, it is expected that this war is going to prolong. Is it going to affect Indian foreign policy, or our diplomatic relations, with other countries in the long run?

SHRI JASWANT SINGH: I have just cited to you as to how many countries have been in consultation with India; how many consultations I have engaged in; the number of visits that are taking place. In the sense that Tuesday, September 11, is a defining moment in world’s experience and history, it affects everybody and not just India. India addresses the issues of international relations as they evolve and develop.

QUESTION (MS. VINEETA DEEPAK, ASSOCIATED PRESS TELEVISION): Is India concerned at the number of civilian casualties? This is a concern expressed by a whole lot of other countries as well.

SHRI JASWANT SINGH: Yes, we are. We are certainly concerned. That is why I have expressed that there should be the least possible collateral damage to the civil society. There is another concern that we had voiced earlier and I must voice it again on India’s behalf. This is a fight against terrorism. This in no way or in no sense can be interpreted as any kind of conflict or fight against Islam. Islam itself is against terrorism. Terrorism, to our mind, is anti-Islamic. Practice in the name of Islam distorts the very face of it. Islam is the voice of God. I say it with conviction of Allah, the all-compassionate and the all-merciful. This fight against terrorism is a fight of the whole civilised world against an evil, against an abomination, which is killing. How can terrorism be pursued in the name of Islam or in the sight of Allah? So, there is no equation whatsoever in this regard.

QUESTION (MS. RENU, THE AFTERNOON): My first question relates to the OIC Conference of yesterday. The Minister made it very clear to the United States that they would not tolerate any further attacks on Arab Governments after the bombing of Afghanistan. Can you give your reaction to this?

Secondly, what is your answer to the repeated pleas of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah to enter Pak-Occupied Kashmir and destroy the terrorist bases and training camps there?

SHRI JASWANT SINGH: So far as the second part is concerned, that has been covered adequately enough. Repeatedly the Prime Minister did say and said it quite clearly that India will not continue to tolerate such incidents.

Insofar as the OIC is concerned, I have the text here with me. The relevant paragraph of the Communique says, "The Conference stressed its rejection of any linkage between terrorism and Islamic and Arab people’s rights. It does not include, as somebody has said, Jammu and Kashmir. It says ‘Arab people’s rights’. Since I do not know from where you have got this about attacking Arab countries, who can advocate attacks against Arab countries?

QUESTION: America had written to the United Nations Security Council saying that they reserve the right to attack any other country to fight against terrorism. How do you view this aspect?

SHRI JASWANT SINGH: I am aware of the letter that the United States has addressed to the Secretary-General of the United Nations. What United States has invoked is the right of self-protection. Inherent in the right of self-protection is the obligation of the State to take such steps, as it finds necessary to protect itself. But, we are clear in our minds that at the present moment neither the situation nor the events of September 11 warrant any action against any other state or country. So far as the aims and purposes of the United Nations Security Council Committee that has been appointed pursuant to the Resolution SCR 1373, the aims and purposes of the Committee are to monitor the implementation of this Resolution, to give guidance to member-states to analyse the response that is given, identify possible problem areas, and to examine the scope of assistance that could be provided to member-states. All these provisions are both UNSC-related as also related under Chapter 51 of the United Nations Charter itself.

QUESTION (MS. INDRANI BAGCHI ECONOMIC TIMES): Since you are on the subject of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1373, could you elaborate a little on how the Resolution would help the international coalition against terrorism?

SHRI JASWANT SINGH: I just pointed out, for example, that there is a Committee that has been appointed under this Resolution. This Committee is under the Chairmanship of the Permanent Representative of Great Britain. I have pointed out that the Committee has defined its aims and purposes as monitoring the implementation of 1373 which mandates the closing of bank accounts, seizure of bank balances, prohibiting transfer of weapons, etc., along with giving guidance to member-states. I have just listed them out. I do not want to take time just pointing them out again. I think this is very comprehensive. It just addresses the totality of terrorism globally. It does not focus on any one particular incident of terrorism.

QUESTION: What is the mission of Mr. Colin Powell? He is coming here sometime next week. What do you think he is going to talk to you, or Pakistan or China? He is going to come on a long visit.

SHRI JASWANT SINGH: Let me deal with China first. He is on his way to the APEC meeting at Shanghai. He is not making a bilateral visit to People’s Republic of China. So far as the purpose of the Secretary of State’s visit, as you know I very recently met with him on the 2nd of October. When he is here very shortly, we will take further the discussion that we had in Washington. We will also discuss India-US cooperation in combating the global terrorist networks wherever they exist. This counter-terrorism cooperation between India and the United States of America predates the unfortunate and tragic events of September 11, which both sides recognise to be a key component of the broad, expanding bilateral agenda. There is a renewed sense of urgency and purpose behind this endeavour now. We will also, I am sure, discuss the current operation and pursuit of the goals of the first phase of the campaign by United States and the coalitions, which is to bring to justice perpetrators of the attack on the United States, the network that supports them, and also the people that it harbours. These and other aspects will be discussed.

QUESTION (JAIN TV): This fight against Taliban is supposed to be only the first phase of the war against terrorism. When do you think the second phase will start? Secondly, Mr. Sattar has said that Pakistan wants a moderate Taliban leadership to takeover in Afghanistan. What is India’s stand on that?

SHRI JASWANT SINGH: I would much rather not comment on what my distinguished Foreign Minister of Pakistan has said. Moderate Taliban to my mind is an oxymoron. So far as the first part, I must correct your impression that this is a fight against Taliban. I think it has repeatedly been made clear that the target is the Al Qaeda network of which one of the principal promoters is, of course, Osama bin Laden, and one of the consequences is Taliban. The Al Qaeda network, it will be interesting to know for you, has a number of terrorist organisations that are operating in Jammu and Kashmir and in India. So, when Al Qaeda is targeted, these terrorist organisations are all targeted. Amongst them is Harkat-ul-Mujahideen, Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, Jaish-e-Muhammad, Lashkar-e-Tayyaba and also there is one organisation that operates in Bangladesh called Harkat-ul-Jehad of Islam. These are organisations that are part of the Al Qaeda network that have already been announced. So, when it is pointed out as to of what benefit the fight against Al Qaeda is to India, please go through the organisations that have been spawned by the Al Qaeda and that are operating in India. There is a direct benefit because these were also the organisations which we were targeting and combating alone which now the international coalition against terrorism will also be targeting.

QUESTION: Do you feel any threat from Bangladesh?

SHRI JASWANT SINGH: No, I don’t.

QUESTION: Which kind of military or logistic help you can provide to the Americans in the next phase of the war that, as you said, is going to be long?

SHRI JASWANT SINGH: Long in the sense that fight against global terrorism cannot be conceived in a short timeframe. So far as logistics and other support is concerned, United States of America has not asked us for anything other than what was routinely provided. It was really not even connected with the present operation. Flight of aircraft from different countries, military and other aircraft, transiting through India is a routine operation. This will be in accordance with the guidelines that have already been decided by the Cabinet Committee on Security. These do not include grant of any permanent bases. So, there is no scope for any such apprehension that people have earlier cited that United States of America is going to acquire bases. They have neither sought nor were given any military bases in India by far. But, I will await developments in this regard and we will address every request that comes on its merits.

QUESTION (MR. NAVEEN KAPOOR, ANI): Does India envisage a role for itself in the post-war reconstruction of Afghanistan?

SHRI JASWANT SINGH: I have answered that. Let me cite to you that India’s role in Afghanistan does not start now. It predates the arrival of Islam in Afghanistan. Bamiyan Buddhas were of 4th century BC.

QUESTION (MR. RAJESH MOHAPATRA, ASSOCIATED PRESS): The other day after the Cabinet Committee on Security met, you said that India was soon going to ask Pakistan to hand over Jaish-e-Muhammad Chief Maulana Masood Azhar. When is your ‘soon’ going to be? Are you waiting for the US to ban the organistation? Secondly, if Pakistan does not oblige, the way Taliban did with the US, what is going to be your response?

SHRI JASWANT SINGH: What my response would be, if Pakistan does not do x or y or z, you scarcely expect me to share with you here. As for what my soon is, please leave it to the Ministry of External Affairs to determine that soon.

If there are no questions, ladies and gentlemen, thank you very much for this courtesy. As I had told you last time, whenever I believe that there is need now for us to sit together, I will periodically endeavour to meet you and exchange views with you in this regard.

Thank you.

Text in italics is translated from Hindi.

Summary of Remarks made by EAM in response to a question from NDTV, after conclusion of his Press Conference

(In response to a question from Rajdeep Sardesai of NDTV regarding the nature of steps to be taken for a settlement of the Afghan issue, EAM said the following)

1. India favours a process-based rather than an individual or person-based approach in regard to the future of Afghanistan.
2. What is currently being examined is such a process-based approach.
3. The first step would involve a 120 member Council which would have equal representation from the Northern Alliance and the Pashtuns.
4. This Council would elect an interim caretaker body.
5. Thereafter a Loya Jirga would be called. This would be an Assembly of 51 persons, one thirds of which would be nominated and two thirds elected by the people of Afghanistan. This Loya Jirga would sit together and decide on the next Government. This was a complex process and was based on how such matters had been decided for centuries.
6. India had always said that whatever solution emerges, it should be based on the wishes of Afghan people and it should provide lasting peace and stability for Afghanistan. India had absolutely no territorial ambitions regarding Afghanistan and our links with Afghanistan predate the advent of Islam.

Source: http://www.meadev.nic.in/news/or-eam-11oct.htm

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"… We are discussing the matter [military action to flush out terrorists in Kashmir] and an operation on this effect might be launched after considering all options… Those who are trying to make an issue out of it [US’ war on terrorism being termed as particularly targeting Muslims] were only helping the cause of terrorism and they will have to suffer later…"

-- Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Prime Minister, India, October 11, 2001

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Press Release
Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi
October 8, 2001

LAUNCH OF U.S. MILITARY STRIKES IN AFGHANISTAN

The anticipated military strike against Al Qaeda terrorist training camps and military installations of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan was, as you are aware, launched last night. These operations are part of a broader campaign against the perpetrators of the terrorist attacks in the United States on 11th September and their supporters. President Bush had telephoned Prime Minister Vajpayee on Sunday, well before the launch of the air strikes and informed him of essential details in this regard.

As expected, the targeting has been selective, minimising the impact of the operation on the civil population. We are glad that humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan is integral to the operations.

India has long had traditionally warm and friendly ties with the people of Afghanistan. Above all, that country and its people deserve a democratic, peaceful, progressive and prosperous future. This is not possible unless peace returns early and a government representative of all elements of the Afghan society replaces the Taliban.

Promotion of terrorism is what has brought Afghanistan to this pass. That is why we welcome President Bush's statement of 7th October reiterating that the current focus on Afghanistan is part of a broader battle against terrorism. India's position on the global character of terrorism and the need for a concerted global action against terrorism everywhere is known well enough.

New Delhi

October 8, 2001

Source: http://www.meadev.nic.in/news/official/20011008/official.htm

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Joint press conference addressed by
Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee and
British Minister Tony Blair,
October 6, 2001 - New Delhi

Joint Press Conference addressed by
Indian External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh and
British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw
London, October 3, 2001