Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=07/19/01

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-278401

TITLE= INDIA / U-S / DEFENSE (S-ONLY)

BYLINE=JIM TEEPLE

DATELINE=NEW DELHI

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: The chairman of the U-S Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Henry Shelton, is in New Delhi to meet with senior Indian officials. V-O-A's Jim Teeple reports General Shelton is the highest-ranking U-S military officer to visit New Delhi since Indian officials conducted nuclear tests in 1998.

TEXT: General Shelton says the United States wants a strong military-to-military relationship with India, which he describes as a "major power with global influence."

During his two-day visit to New Delhi, General Shelton is meeting with Jaswant Singh, who serves as both India's foreign and defense minister, as well as with India's three service chiefs and other senior officials.

General Shelton's visit comes as U-S officials say they hope to lift remaining sanctions against India soon. Sanctions were imposed on both India and Pakistan after the two countries staged nuclear tests three years ago.

In a separate development related to defense matters, Israeli officials say they have signed a two-billion-dollar defense deal with India. The deal involves advanced radar systems, missiles, and three Phalcon early-warning surveillance aircraft. Earlier, U-S officials blocked Israel from selling the aircraft to China. (Signed)

NEB/JT/TW