Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=03/20/04

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-314302

TITLE=U-S PAKISTAN INDIA (L-ONLY)

BYLINE=ANJANA PASRICHA

DATELINE=NEW DELHI

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: India has criticized a recent decision by the United States to give Pakistan special military status, saying it could hurt ties between the two countries. From New Delhi, Anjana Pasricha has a report.

TEXT: India's reaction to the U-S decision to designate Pakistan as a "major non-NATO ally" came in a brief statement in New Delhi by foreign ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna.

/// SARNA ACT ///

We are studying the details of this decision, which has significant implications for India - U-S relations. We are in touch with the U-S government in this regard.

/// END ACT ///

Secretary of State Colin Powell announced the special military status for Pakistan in Islamabad two days after he held talks with Indian officials in New Delhi. The announcement surprised Indian officials.

The special designation puts Pakistan on par with a handful of nations such as Israel, Australia, Japan, and Egypt, which are eligible for priority delivery of defense materials.

Mr. Sarna says Indian officials were disappointed that they were not informed beforehand about the U-S decision to elevate military ties with Islamabad.

/// 2nd SARNA ACT ///

While he was in India thee was much emphasis on India - U-S strategic partnership. It is disappointing that he did not share with us this decision.

/// END ACT ///

Ties between India and the United States have improved significantly in recent years. But New Delhi has watched warily the growing relationship between Islamabad and Washington following the U-S led war on terror.

U-S officials have tried to calm Indian concerns about its ties with Pakistan, and have emphasized Washington's desire to have good relations with both India and Pakistan.

India and Pakistan have fought three wars, and came close to a fourth one two years ago. A tentative peace process is now in place between the nuclear rivals. (SIGNED)

NEB/HK/AJ/MH/RAE