[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 130 (Tuesday, October 2, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1780]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


   VISIT OF JASWANT SINGH, INDIA'S MINISTER OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS AND 
                                DEFENSE

                                 ______
                                 

                        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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