Attachment
Information Memorandum Prepared in the Bureau of Near East and
South Asian Affairs
Washington, December 1, 1972
STATEMENT BY INDIAN FOREIGN MINISTER
Indian Foreign Minister Swaran Sigh’s November 30 statement is
noteworthy as the most balanced and positive review of Indo-U.S.
Relations by the GOI since the 1971
War. His remarks constitute a strong signal that India now desires
better relations.
The Foreign Minister’s remarks were addressed to the United States,
and, equally important, to Indian public opinion. Swaran Singh’s statement provides a
well-reasoned basis for domestic acceptance of an effort to improve
relations with the U.S.
In his remarks, he describes differences between the U.S. and India,
which he characterizes as “temporary” in a calm and rational
manner.
- —On Vietnam, he sees the conflict on the way to a peaceful
solution. Once peace is resolved, India will cooperate with the
U.S. and others in the reconstruction effort.
- —On Bangladesh, he welcomes our recognition and our
participation in the reconstruction effort.
- —On South Asia policy, he sees “every reason to believe” that
the U.S. will “encourage and support” the spirit of the Simla
Agreement.
While expressing interest in improved relations with the United
States, Swaran Singh makes
clear what India will seek from the U.S. in this relationship.
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He underscores continuing Indian concern about possible U.S. military
assistance to Pakistan; he urges the U.S. to accept the “realities
of the new situation in the area” (i.e., a predominant Indian role);
he seeks U.S. support of the policy of bilateralism in South Asia
(i.e., India and Pakistan should work out their disputes by
themselves).
Several factors have contributed to the evolution of the more
forthcoming Indian attitude toward the U.S. articulated yesterday by
Swaran Singh.
Domestically, the euphoria of victory over Pakistan has worn off.
India is facing major economic difficulties and a potential food
shortage. The flow of U.S. resources, including food, into India
looms more important than six months back.
Events influencing the timing of the Foreign Minister’s statement
probably include our favorable action in participating in
multilateral debt relief and the President’s friendly response to
Mrs. Gandhi’s congratulatory
message on his reelection. An additional element may be strains in
Indo-Soviet relations, about which we have received intelligence
reports. The Indians have reportedly resisted Soviet pressures to
join COMECON, to undertake joint naval exercises and to provide more
active support for the Asian security proposals.
