(a) whether India and USA officials held talks in April 2000;
(b) if so, the issues discussed; and
(c) the outcome thereof?
(a) whether India and USA officials held talks in April 2000;
(b) if so, the issues discussed; and
(c) the outcome thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(SHRI AJIT KUMAR PANJA)
(a) Yes, Sir. Indian and US officials held talks in April 2000 in Washington D.C. on India`s proposal for a Comprehensive Convention on Counter Terrorism in the United Nations and on Export Controls.
(b) During the first meeting of the recently constituted Indo-US Joint Working Group on Terrorism, which was held in February 2000, the two sides had agreed on a number of measures to intensify co-operation in combating international terrorism. As part of this process, the two sides had agreed to meet in April 2000 to discuss India`s proposal on the Terrorism Convention. The talks on Export Controls were held within the framework of the ongoing bilateral dialogue on security, non-proliferation, disarmament and related issues.
(c) These meetings have led to a better mutual understanding on these subjects. There is now a greater understanding and support of the US on India`s proposal for the Terrorism Convention in the UN.