Military

DATE=10/17/01

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=INDIA / POWELL (LONG)

NUMBER=2-281900

BYLINE=ANJANA PASRICHA

DATELINE=NEW DELHI

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Indian leaders have reiterated a strong commitment to the

American-led campaign against terrorism. And -- amid concerns over

rising tensions in Kashmir -- U-S Secretary of State Colin Powell has reassured

India its concerns on terrorism will be addressed. Anjana Pasricha reports

from New Delhi.

TEXT: After meeting the Indian prime minister and foreign minister, Mr.

Powell said India and the United States are "natural allies." He says the two nations are working together in advancing the international coalition against terrorism.

He says the United States is determined to end the Al-Qaida terrorist

network and its bases in Afghanistan.

/ / / POWELL ACTUALITY / / /

Our focus in Afghanistan now is eradicating the Al Qaida network; to

end the terrorist use of Afghanistan as a safe haven; to stop the invasion of

Afghanistan which has taken place as a result of the presence of Al

Qaida; and we will achieve that goal.

/ / / END ACTUALITY / / /

Mr. Powell reassured India U-S efforts are directed against all

terrorism.

/ / / POWELL ACTUALITY / / /

The United States and India are united against all terrorism and that

includes the terrorism that has been directed against India, as well.

/ / / END ACTUALITY / / /

India has been asking the United States to broaden its campaign to

include Kashmiri militant groups, which New Delhi says are supported by

Pakistan -- a charge Islamabad denies.

Mr. Powell repeated the call made in Islamabad for a dialogue between

the two countries to resolve their differences on Kashmir. But both the U-S

secretary and the Indian foreign minister sought to play down comments

made earlier, in Islamabad, where he described Kashmir as the central issue

between India and Pakistan. The observation had angered New Delhi.

Foreign Minister Jaswant Singh says -- although India and the United

States may may disagree on some issues -- this will not affect their

relationship.

/ / / SINGH ACTUALITY / / /

There is a position United States of America has, and has had. And as

two democracies we could disagree on an event, but we do not need

necessarily to be disagreeable about the disagreement.

/ / / END ACTUALITY / / /

Mr. Singh also played down concerns about rising tensions in Kashmir

and says India is committed to improving ties with rival Pakistan.

Mr. Powell reiterated the United States remains committed to

strengthening its relationship with India -- a comment aimed at

allaying unease in India about the new alliance between Washington and

Islamabad.

/ / / rest opt / / /

India and the United States have signed a treaty to fight international

crime and terrorism. (signed)

neb / ap / wd