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“VISIT OF JASWANT SINGH, INDIA'S MINISTER OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS AND DEFENSE” mentioning the U.S. Dept of State was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E1780 on Oct. 2, 2001.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
VISIT OF JASWANT SINGH, INDIA'S MINISTER OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS AND
DEFENSE
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HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.
of new jersey
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, October 2, 2001
Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to note that Jaswant Singh, who serves as both Minister of External Affairs and Minister of Defense of India, is visiting the United States. He arrived on Sunday, September 30th and will depart on Tuesday, October 2nd.
During Minister Singh's visit, he met with New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani to show support to the U.S. in the fight against terrorism on the global level. Minister Singh is also visiting Washington, DC to meet with top officials at the White House, the State Department and the Defense Department, as well as House and Senate leaders.
Minister Singh's visit to the U.S. is symbolic of India's unconditional support for the U.S. This support is based on shared democratic principles and common interests. Additionally, from the very day that the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington occurred, India has come forward in strong support of the United States, offering its unwavering support for the war against terrorism.
India's prompt and bold action in coming forth to stand united with the U.S. stems from the fact that this country has been on the front lines in the fight against international, terrorism for the years. Over the past 10 to 15 years, more than 53,000 civilians in India have been killed as a result of cross-border terrorism. These victims have suffered at the hands of many of the same terrorist networks believed to be behind the attack on the U.S.
India continues to be subject to the ravages of cross-border terrorism to this very day. Just yesterday afternoon, Monday, October 1st, a massive explosion near the main entrance of the State Assembly in India's state of Jammu and Kashmir left at least 29 persons dead and 40 injured. In addition, two militants firing from automatics later stormed the heavily-guarded assembly complex. The state assembly was in session when the blast occurred.
Those killed included five policemen, two from the Central Reserve Police Force, a schoolgirl and six state assembly employees. Eyewitnesses said a suicide bomber drove a jeep laden with explosives up to the main entrance of the state assembly and shortly after, the jeep exploded into a massive ball of fire leaving behind a trail of death and destruction. Jaish-e-Mohammad, a Pakistan-based militant group, has claimed responsibility for the blast. State Department spokesman Richard Boucher has condemned the bombing, stating: ``I would say, first of all, that we very strongly condemn the attack today in Kashmir, as we have previous attacks. We think that no cause can justify the deliberate targeting of civilians in this manner. We extend our sympathies to the victims of the attack, we extend our condolences to India, a country that's suffered many terrorist attacks over the years. India is a key partner in the global coalition against terrorism, and we do believe that terrorism must be ended everywhere.''
In statements from top Government officials, India has expressed its condolences for the terrible losses, its solidarity with the American people, and its pledge of cooperation with the Administration. We have learned in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington, the number of missing Indian nationals and persons of Indian origin is estimated at about 250.
Cooperation between India and the United States, the world's two largest democracies, extends beyond the current international campaign against terrorism, and has been steadily developing for the past few years. During the U.S.-India Summits in New Delhi in March 2000 and Washington in September 2000, the two countries established frameworks for preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons and their means of delivery, preserving stability and growth in the global economy, protecting the environment, combating infectious diseases and expanding trade, especially in emerging knowledge-based industries and high technology areas.
However, at this time of crisis and tragedy for the American people, India has shown itself to be a good friend and a reliable and valued partner. India, with its strategic location and its excellent intelligence data, represents a vital resource and a logical partner for cooperation with the U.S. At this time of crisis, India has been recognized and appreciated in public statements from President Bush, Secretary of State Colin Powell and other top officials in the Administration and the visit to Washington of Minister Singh allows U.S. leaders to demonstrate the importance that the U.S. attaches to our growing relations with India.
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