Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume E–7, Documents on South Asia, 1969–1972

313. Telegram 207769 From the Department of State to the Embassy in India¹ ²

Washington, November 15, 1972, 1609Z

Subject:

• Call on Deputy Secretary by Indian Foreign Secretary-Designate

1. Summary: During November 13 call, Indian Foreign Secretary-designate Kewal Singh and Indian Ambassador Jha had general exchange of views on problems of Indo-US relations and recent South Asia developments with Deputy Secretary Irwin. Both Kewal Singh and Deputy Secretary expressed hope for improved Indo-US relations. End summary.

2. Indian Foreign Secretary-designate Kewal Singh, accompanied by Indian Amb. Jha, called on Deputy Secretary Irwin November 13. Kewal Singh, who currently GOI Ambassador to Bonn, has been visiting UN for about one week and spent day in Washington.

3. Kewal Singh said he was looking forward to taking over new position in December and would “work earnestly” for better Indo-American relations. Deputy Secretary commented that US too wanted better relations with India. He noted there existed similarity in long range interests and aims of both countries. For example, both wished political stability in South Asia—a central factor being India’s attitude and actions toward its South Asian neighbors—peaceful settlement in Southeast Asia, and general reduction of level of tensions in the world.

4. Deputy Secretary stated that President Nixon’s initiative vis-à-vis Moscow and Peking and also Japanese initiative toward Peking were useful steps for peace. They introduced new element of flexibility into international relations, and made possible greater mutual understanding. Regarding possible Indian concerns about improved Sino-US relations, Deputy Secretary said that our efforts in no way directed against India nor did we have any desire to play China off against the USSR.

5. Amb. Jha asked what specifically seemed to bother us most with respect to India. Putting aside differing policies with regard to Bangladesh crisis and related issues, Deputy Secretary said that there appeared exist suspicion of US by India that went beyond normal disagreement over policy questions. US also thought that India made effort to go beyond “normal” lengths in criticizing US actions in Southeast Asia and elsewhere. Similarly, we were disturbed by way India handled certain Indo-US bilateral issues, such as false allegations about CIA, question of exchange programs and related cultural matters. We don’t understand why Indians do such things as making false charges about CIA.

6. In turn, Amb. Jha agreed that there in fact no real conflict of interests between US and India. Difficulties often appeared more in terms of atmospherics and way problems handled by two sides. For various reasons, mutual lack of confidence had developed which contributed to “present vicious spiral.” From Indian standpoint, Jha said, there had been one persistent problem, namely US arms assistance to Pakistan. While Indians understand US rationale, such aid nonetheless added to security threat as perceived by India.

7. Kewal Singh commented that with regard to future, he had not slightest doubt that India wanted good neighborly relations with all countries of South Asia. India wanted to live in peace with Pakistan and earnestly hoped it could solve Indo-Pak problems in spirit of Simla accords. It also hoped Pakistan and Bangladesh could start dialogue after recognition. He was very optimistic that India could work with neighbors.

8. Deputy Secretary said we also regarded the simla agreements as significant step forward and were hopeful that India could establish harmonious relations with its neighbors. Return of the POW’s would be helpful in this regard, as well as resolution of question of war crimes trials. US was especially sensitive to POW question, because of Hanoi’s using our POW’s for political purposes. Deputy Secretary added that it unfortunate that both Bangladesh and Pakistan seemed to be taking “set positions” with respect to mutual problems which made it harder to resolve present difficulties. He said anything India could do to assist two sides to a solution would be very helpful.

9. Kewal Singh emphasized that India earnestly desired the Simla agreements be implemented fully and regretted delays which had occurred so far. With regard to Indo-US relations, he concluded that there no reason why not only “normal but friendly” relations could not be restored. In this respect, Singh expressed hope that long postponed US-Indo bilateral talks might be rescheduled, in which case he would be pleased to welcome Deputy Secretary to New Delhi.

10. Comment: Half-hour discussion provided useful opportunity for general exchange of views. Kewal Singh seemed intent on underscoring positive and stressing hope for improvement in Indo-US relations.

1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL INDIA–US. Confidential. Drafted by Kux on November 13, cleared by Sisco, and approved by Irwin. Repeated to Islamabad, Dacca, USUN, Bonn, Kathmandu, and Colombo.
2. Deputy Secretary Irwin and Indian Foreign Secretary-designate Kewal Singh discussed prospects for improved relations between the U.S. and India.