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U.S. Department of State Office of the Spokesman Press Statement

Press Statement by James P. Rubin, Spokesman
February 1, 1999

India-U.S. Talks

The following joint statement was issued at the conclusion of talks in New Delhi on January 29 to 31 between Deputy Secretary of State Talbott and Mr. Jaswant Singh, Indian Minister for External Affairs.

The eighth round of the U.S.-India dialogue on issues related to security, disarmament and non-proliferation has concluded. During the three days of talks, January 29-31, there were four plenary meetings of the two delegations as well as expert-level discussions and several more restricted sessions between the two heads of delegation, Mr. Strobe Talbott and Mr. Jaswant Singh. General Ralston held separate consultations with several senior Indian military officials on a variety of issues of mutual concern, including resumption of bilateral cooperation in some areas.

Both delegations are satisfied with the outcome of the talks. As with earlier meetings, the security perspectives of the two sides were further elaborated and clarified and proposals for harmonizing these perspectives were explored. The delegations believe progress was made in several of the subjects under discussion and remain committed to achieving more progress in the weeks ahead.

In this regard, a workplan for the next steps in the U.S.-Indian dialogue was agreed. U.S. and Indian expert-level teams will meet in early March for follow-up talks on export controls. The U.S. and Indian delegations at the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva will endeavor to consult frequently on the status of negotiations on a Fissile Material Cutoff Treaty (FMCT) and the possibility of other multilateral initiatives. Finally, Mr. Talbott and Mr. Singh will remain in close contact. While these contacts continue, both sides will endeavor to create a positive atmosphere for advancing their relations. A ninth round of the dialogue is envisioned towards the middle of the year, the dates and venue to be determined in consultation between the two capitals.

The two delegations recognize that the length of time devoted to these talks is unprecedented in U.S.-Indian relations. It is the view of both delegations that this is time well spent, laying the foundation for a new, broadbased relationship that has eluded the United States and India in the past which both sides are determined to achieve in the future.

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