Question : U.S. SUPPORT TO INDIA ON FENCING ISSUE

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(a) whether the U.S.A. has supported India’s move of fencing along the Indo-Pak border;

(b) if so, the reaction of the Union Government thereto;

(c) whether the support extended by the U.S.A. to the said move is likely to result in deterioration of Indo-Pak relations; and

(d) if so, the reaction at the international level in this regard?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI DIGVIJAY SINGH)

(a) On 03 July 2003, the United States State Department spokesman rejected the contention that India’s project to erect a fence to stop infiltration and cross-border terrorism was similar to the fence being built by Israel, on which the United States had expressed some concerns, and added that “It doesn`t mean fences are bad all over the world”.

(b) Government has noted that the United States recognises the difference between the fencing being done by India and other countries. However, Government’s initiative is based on its own strategy to contain cross-border infiltration and terrorism and is not determined by the views of other countries.

(c) The U.S. position on fencing has no adverse bearing on India-Pakistan relations.

(d) Government is not aware of any adverse reaction to the border fencing programme.