India, US, Japan and Australia form coordinating group to effect relief to Tsunami disaster areas 

President George Bush and US Secretary of State, Colin Powell had spoken to Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh and EAM, Shri K. Natwar Singh yesterday on the proposal to form a coordinating group of India, Australia, Japan and the United States based on the capabilities and resources that these countries have to effect relief in areas that have been worst affected by the Tsunami disaster. It was conveyed that India would be prepared to join in this humanitarian effort. Following these conversations, a teleconference was held this morning between US Under Secretary of State Marc Grossman, Australian Permanent Secretary, Douglas Chester, Director General of the Japanese Economic Cooperation Bureau, SATO and Foreign Secretary, Shri Shyam Saran. This conference was initiated by Mr. Grossman in order to coordinate relief and rescue efforts and welcomed by the others. 

The main purpose of the coordination effort is to avoid duplication of efforts, identify gaps in the relief process and find ways and means to address these deficiencies. A videoconference will be held tomorrow between the Washington-based Ambassadors of India, Australia and Japan with Mr. Grossman and UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan. This group of four countries has agreed to work together closely with the UN and examine where the relief effort can best be channelised through the UN. 

Foreign Secretary acquainted the other members of the group with the relief and rescue efforts already launched by India for Sri Lanka and Maldives, including substantial assistance being provided through deployment of Indian naval ships and aircraft, including helicopters. These had been deeply appreciated by Sri Lanka and Maldives and are continuing. This could be expanded further as needed. As far as the disaster in South India and Island territories is concerned, India is confident that we will be able to deal with the challenges with our own resources and international relief therefore could be directed where it is most urgently required.