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(February 15, 1999)

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Feature: Interview - Jaswant Singh, External Affairs Minister

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India - US Joint Statement

January 31, 1999
New Delhi

The eighth round of the U.S. - Indian dialogue on issues related to security, disarmament and non-proliferation has concluded. During the three days of talk, 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 delegations, 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 co-operation 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 andproposal for harmonizing these perspectives were explored. The delegations believe progress was made in several of the subjects under discussion and remaincommitted 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 March for follow - up talks on export controls. The U.S. and Indian delegations at the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva will endeavour 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 endeavour 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 the 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, broad-based relationship that has eluded the United States and India in the past which both sides are determined to achieve in the future.

INDIA AND FRANCE SIGN PROTOCOL OF INTENT FOR COOPERATION IN THE ROAD SECTOR

India and France signed a protocol of Intent in the road sector here today for joint efforts to promote greater cooperation in the road sector between the two countries. The protocol was singed by the Secretary in the Ministry of Surface Transport, Shri R. Vasudevan and Mr. J,Y. Perrot in the presence of the Minister of Surface Transport, Dr. M. Thambi Durai and his French counterpart Mr. Jean Claude Gayssot. The protocol also seeks to encourage growth of investment and joint-venture in the road sector between Indian and French firms apart from exchange of information between the two countries' administrations and companies. During the Indo-French Bilateral Economic Joint Committee Meeting earlier in the day, it was decided to set up a working group on transport. Under the Protocol of Intent both the countries would exchange information at Government as well as specialists level in the field of road techniques. Both the countries would also share information on delegated management of infrastructure concessions. The protocol will seek to promote and develop relations between enterprises (consultancy and engineering companies in the field of roads, manufacturers of equipment, materials and consumables producers for this section…) with the purpose of arriving at industrial co-operation agreements and transfer of technology. Priority will be given under this protocol to financing and management of road infrastructure, maintenance of roads (roadways and civil engineering structures): inspection, programme planning and works and Electronic Collection of Tolls (E.T.C.) and information on road users. Both the countries decided to set up a coordination committee in New Delhi consisting of representatives from the Ministry both Surface Transport on the Indian side, and the Head of the Economics, Trade and Finance Commission, and the commercial Counsellor of the French Embassy in New Delhi on the French side. The Coordination Committee would meet regularly every six months. Other partners could be associated with the events, according to the wish of the Committee members.