Kashmir unlikely to figure during Singh-Obama talks: sources

Lalit K Jha
Washington, Oct 26 (PTI) Kashmir issue is unlikely to
figure during talks between Indian Prime Minister Manmohan
Singh and President Barack Obama in New Delhi next month as US
considers this an "internal" matter of India, Indian sources
have said.
But, the two leaders will discuss the situation in
Afghanistan and Pakistan as well as in South East Asia and how
India and the US can increase their co-operation at the global
level, a source, familiar with the preparatory talks between
officials of the two countries, said.
The source said Kashmir issue is unlikely to figure
during the talks between Singh and Obama as the US' firm stand
is that Kashmir is a bilateral issue between India and
Pakistan and it has to be solved by them, despite Pakistan
asking it to play a role.
The US considers India as an "anchor of stability in
the region and is very appreciative of the role played by New
Delhi under the leadership of the Prime Minister Manmohan
Singh," the source said.
While India has quietly played a developmental role in
Afghanistan, where it is one of the largest donors of civilian
activities, the US is very grateful of the restrain shown by
India with regard to Pakistan, where a section of the
establishment is keen to increase tension with India.
This is used as an excuse not to carry on with the
operations against terrorists, the source said.
Indian and US officials said it is in this context
that the Obama Administration has taken a decision not to play
any role on the Kashmir issue, despite the fact that it is
repeatedly being demanded by the top Pakistani leadership.
"Kashmir is an issue that we believe needs to be
resolved between Pakistan and India. It is an issue that does
come up in time to time in our bilateral discussions with
Pakistan. But there is no working group in Kashmir," US State
Department spokesman, P J Crowley said.
"Because the strategic dialogue is focused on
expanding our bilateral relationship, when we get together,
the United States or Pakistan can bring forward any issue that
it wishes. The Pakistanis have raised the issue of Kashmir
with us before. This is not new," he said.
"Our understanding of the Pakistani view of this issue
is well known. But at the same time, the United States' policy
is clear. We believe that this is ultimately an issue that has
to be resolved between India and Pakistan," Crowley said in
response to a question.
Besides, Singh and Obama will also discuss reforms in
the current architecture of global governance giving India its
due position in all of the international institutions is
another issue that would be a key highlight of the Obama trip
to India, the source said.
While there has been no indication from the United
States so far, officials expect that the US would move a step
ahead towards endorsing India as permanent member of the UN
Security Council. PTI LKJ
PRI


The information contained in this electronic message and any attachments to this
message are intended for the exclusive use of the addressee(s) and may contain
proprietary, confidential or privileged information. If you are not the intended
recipient, you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail. Please notify
the sender immediately and destroy all copies of this message and any attachments
contained in it.


Delete & Prev | Delete & Next