Military

DATE=10/06/01

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=INDIA / BLAIR (L-only) CQ

NUMBER=2-281433

BYLINE=ANJANA PASRICHA

DATELINE=NEW DELHI

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

/// RE-RUNNING WITH INDIAN PM'S FIRST NAME IN GRAF 3 ///

INTRO: British Prime Minister Tony Blair held discussions with Indian leaders in

New Delhi Saturday as he concluded a three-nation tour to build support for the

international campaign against terrorism. Anjana Pasricha reports, Mr. Blair

visited India after holding talks in Russia and Pakistan.

TEXT: British Prime Minister Blair told reporters in New Delhi that action to isolate

the Taleban regime would continue until Osama bin Laden is brought to justice,

and terror camps in Afghanistan closed down. He said the action would be

proportionate and targeted, and will make full allowance for the humanitarian

situation in Afghanistan.

/ / / INSERT BLAIR ACTUALITY / / /

We prepared people for this action taking time because it must continue until the

objectives are met. I don't think it would be sensible to try and put some

time span on it at the present time, but I do repeat you our complete

determination to make sure that it is successful.

/ / / END ACTUALITY / / /

After meeting Mr. Blair, Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee said India stood fully behind the

international drive against terrorism, but stressed that the issue of terrorism must

be tackled globally in order to be effective.

New Delhi wants the international community to broaden the campaign against

terrorism to include Kashmiri militant groups -- and not be exclusively focused

on Osama bin Laden and his terrorist network.

Mr. Vajpayee also made a veiled reference to India's rival Pakistan, which has been also drafted as an ally in the war against terrorism -- but which is accused by New Delhi of supporting rather than fighting terrorism.

/ / / INSERT VAJPAYEE ACTUALITY / / /

Condoning a terrorist attack in one place may lay the foundation of a far more

virulent act elsewhere. We discussed the sinister agenda behind the Srinagar

bomb blast. Even while extending our wholehearted support to the pursuit of the

guilty terrorists of September 11, we should not let countries pursue their own

terrorist agenda elsewhere under cover of this actions.

/ / / END ACTUALITY / / /

Analysts say the high-profile visit by Mr. Blair will help address Indian concerns about terrorism. (signed)