The Hindu : National : Security Council reforms likely to figure in talks

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Mar 15, 2005

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National

Security Council reforms likely to figure in talks

By Amit Baruah

NEW DELHI, MARCH 14. India is expected to take up the issue of the United Nations' Security Council reforms with the United States Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice, who will arrive in the capital on Tuesday evening on the first leg of an Asia tour that will also take her to Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, Japan and South Korea.

South Block sources told The Hindu that the U.S. had not taken any position on India joining the U.N. Security Council as a permanent member, but felt that a view could be taken in the "near term" if the "positive course" in bilateral relations continued. Washington has, so far, publicly supported only Japan for a permanent seat.

After her arrival on Tuesday evening, Dr. Rice has no formal engagements. On Wednesday morning, Dr. Rice will hold talks with the External Affairs Minister, Natwar Singh, at Hyderabad House. She is also expected to call on the Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, and the Leader of the Opposition, L.K. Advani. The External Affairs Minister will also host a lunch in her honour.

The sources believe that Washington is not excited at the prospects of Germany and Brazil entering the Security Council (these two countries formed the G-4 along with Japan and India recently to push for a permanent seat), but could take a positive view on India's entry if New Delhi was "seen" to be supportive of American objectives.

Access to technology

On the bilateral front, India will press for greater access to high technology from Washington. While clearances are reportedly up, the total value of high technology trade between India and the U.S. remains tiny.

The South Block assessment is that India has addressed many American concerns on the economic front — including on the issue of patents. Now, it was Washington's turn to send a political signal to investors that India was an attractive destination.

Asked about reports that India may be interested in purchasing U.S.-made F-16 aircraft, the sources said it was well known that the Indian Air Force (IAF) was looking to buy new fighter aircraft.

They pointed out that there was a strong presence of American companies during the recent air show in Bangalore. So far, India had not looked at American options, but now these had opened up to the IAF.

However, India remains concerned at the possible sale of F-16 aircraft to Pakistan. While New Delhi itself is looking at the purchase of military hardware, including a missile defence system, India's concerns about possible arms sales to Pakistan remain.

Apart from U.N. reforms and bilateral issues, India and the U.S. are also expected to discuss regional questions such as Nepal, Iran, Iraq and China. For some time now, India has noted that the U.S. has been keen on talking about China with India.

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