Order Code RS21589
August 12, 2003
CRS Report for Congress
Received through the CRS Web
India: Chronology of Events
Alan Kronstadt
Analyst in Asian Affairs
Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division
Summary
This report provides a reverse chronology of major events involving India and
India-U.S. relations from September 2001.1 For a substantive review of India-U.S.
relations, see CRS Issue Brief IB93097, India-U.S. Relations. This report will be
updated regularly.
08/10/03 — In Lahore, Pakistan, some 100 politicians, activists, and journalists from
both India and Pakistan began a two-day conference aimed at reducing
bilateral tensions between the two South Asian neighbors.
08/09/03 — India claimed to have killed a top Lashkar-e-Taiba figure responsible for
planning a March 2003 attack that left 24 Kashmiri Hindus dead.
08/07/03 — A two-day meeting of the U.S.-India Defense Policy Group ended in
Washington. Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Feith and Indian
Defense Secretary Prasad led their respective delegations.
A joint
statement reviewed accomplishments since the previous such meeting in
May 2002, including numerous joint military exercises and the sale to
India of “Firefinder” counterbattery radars. The two sides agreed to hold
a missile defense workshop in India, and planned for a U.S. team to travel
to New Delhi to discuss the possible sales of P-3 Orion maritime patrol
aircraft, among other activities.
08/06/03 — Reports about high levels of pesticides in Coca Cola and Pepsi drinks in
India spurred members of the Indian Parliament to allege that these
companies were endangering the health of the Indian people.
08/05/03 — A three-member delegation of top Hurriyat Party leaders from Indian
Kashmir met with U.S. diplomats in New Delhi.
1 Entries are on a day-to-day basis going back 60-90 days, then include periodic high-profile
events. Sources include, but are not limited to, USIS Washington File, New York Times,
Washington Post, BBC News, Reuters News, Agence France-Presse, Hindu (Madras), and
Hindustan Times (Delhi); Indian Express (Mumbai); Dawn (Karachi), and Daily Times (Lahore).
Congressional Research Service ˜ The Library of Congress

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08/05/03 — During a visit to Islamabad, Chinese Vice Minister Cai assured Pakistan
that Beijing’s normalization of relations with India would not affect
China’s “time tested and close relationship with Pakistan.”
08/04/03 — Pakistani PM Jamali said that Pakistan-based terrorist organizations such
as Lashkar-e-Taiba had been “closed and sealed” and that Islamabad could
“prove” that it did not support terrorism.
07/30/03 — Indian Defense Minister Fernandes indicated that “The situation along the
[Kashmiri Line of Control] remains unchanged,” and he claimed that
about 3,000 “terrorists” were being trained in camps on the Pakistani side.
On the same day, India’s Junior Home Minister accused the Pakistani
intelligence agency of “making attempts to revive militancy in Punjab.”
07/29/03 — During a visit to New Delhi, U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Gen. Myers said that “India’s refusal to send troops [to Iraq] does not
bother” the United States, and that “robust Indo-U.S. military exercises”
will continue.
07/26/03 — A spokesman for the Pakistani Foreign Ministry accused India of “trying
to disrupt relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan” through the
organization and financing of terrorists acts in Afghanistan.
07/25/03 — Indian Foreign Minister Sinha said that “Pakistan’s links with terrorism
have not ended” and that “there cannot be meaningful dialogue at any
level” if “cross-border terrorism” continues. On the same day, at least 23
people were killed in separatist violence in Indian Kashmir.
07/23/03 — Secretary of State Powell reportedly conveyed a message to Indian
Foreign Minister Sinha that the United States may be working on a new
U.N. resolution that would provide a broader mandate on Iraq. On the
same day, Indian Defense Minister Fernandes vowed that recent separatist
attacks in the Kashmir region would not be allowed to derail the India-
Pakistan peace initiative underway.
07/22/03 — Indian Deputy PM Advani denied any “lack of coordination” between
New Delhi and the government of the Jammu and Kashmir state, saying
that there was “absolutely no difference” between the central government
and the state with regard to security and economic policies. On the same
day, militants attacked an Indian army camp in Kashmir, killing 7 soldiers,
including a general. New Delhi blamed the attack on the Pakistan-based
Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist group, and India’s Junior Home Minister
indicated that there had been no significant change in “terrorist activities”
in Kashmir as compared to 2002.
07/21/03 — Two explosions in Indian Kashmir killed at least 7 Hindu pilgrims and
injured 20 others. On the same day, a bus bombing in suburban Mumbai
killed four and injured 42. India blamed the attack on an offshoot of the
Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist group. Also, the U.S. Export-Import Bank
extended a $75 million loan guarantee to the Indian Oil Corporation to
support the export of U.S. technology, equipment, and services to build a
petrochemical refinery in India.
07/20/03 — Indian PM Vajpayee met with leading Pakistani Islamist politician
Maulana Fazlur Rehman in New Delhi to discuss issues of mutual
concern. Rehman reportedly accepted the idea of converting the Kashmiri
Line of Control into an international border. On the same day, the head
of research for the International Monetary Fund warned that India’s high

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and growing public debt ratio — between 80 and 90 percent — could
reduce the country’s annual economic growth rate to below 5%.
07/19/03 — A report of the World Bank lauded India’s “impressive progress” in
increasing incomes and living standards, but warned that the trend cannot
be sustained unless there is “an acceleration of reforms.”
07/17/03 — A report of the U.S. Bureau of Immigration and Citizenship indicated that
more than 71,000 Indian immigrants were admitted to the United States
in 2002, a number second only to those coming from Mexico. On the
same day, India accused Pakistan of sheltering and supporting “terrorists”
in violation of its previous promises.
07/16/03 — Pakistan agreed to hold talks with India in late August to discuss the
resumption of air links between the two countries.
07/15/03 — Full diplomatic relations between New Delhi and Islamabad were
restored after an 18-month hiatus when the new Indian ambassador
arrived in Pakistan. On the same day, a leader of the Hizbul Mujahideen
terrorist group threatened more “large-scale” suicide attacks in Indian
Kashmir if the United States “does not take steps” to resolve the dispute.
07/14/03 — India rejected an American request to send peacekeeping troops to
Iraq, saying it would only consider doing so under an “explicit” UN
mandate. On the same day, at least 21 people were killed in separatist
violence in the Jammu and Kashmir state.
07/12/03 — The United States and India concluded 4-day joint naval exercises in the
Bay of Bengal. On the same day, the Kashmiri separatist All Parties
Hurriyat Conference named a moderate Islamic cleric as its new chairman.
07/11/03 — The first Indian public bus to Pakistan in 18 months crossed the border at
Wagah. On the same day, and under the auspices of the bilateral Global
Issues Forum, Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International
Environmental and Scientific Affairs Turner stated that a coming
agreement on science and technology cooperation will allow private sector
participation in joint projects between the United States and India.
07/10/03 — The United States delivered two “Firefinder” counter-battery radars
to India as part of a $190 million deal to supply a total of 12 such radars
by 2006.
07/02/03 — Indian Foreign Secretary Sibal led a delegation to Washington for the first
meeting of the U.S.-India High-Technology Cooperation Group. The
U.S. delegation was led by Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and
Security Juster. Sibal also met with National Security Advisor Rice,
Deputy Secretary of Defense Wolfowitz, and Assistant Secretary of State
for Political Affairs Grossman.
On the same day, India reached an
agreement to assist in the maritime patrolling of the Mauritian exclusive
economic zone.
07/01/03 — Approximately 150 government and business leaders from both India and
the United States met in Washington for the Financing Innovation Forum.
On the same day, the pro-Pakistan Kashmiri separatist Hizbul Mujahideen
said they were “ready to extend cooperation” to the nascent Pakistan-India
peace process.
06/30/03 — Pakistan’s new High Commissioner arrived in New Delhi, restoring
diplomatic links that were severed in December 2001.
06/28/03 — Two suspected separatist militants attacked an army camp in Indian
Kashmir, killing 12 soldiers and wounding another 7.
The Indian

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CRS-4
government called the attack “part of the Pakistan-sponsored proxy war
in Kashmir.”
06/27/03 — In the first judgment on a case relating to communal violence in Gujarat
in early 2002, a court acquitted 21 Hindus accused of burning alive 12
Muslims. On the same day, Indian government officials stated that
tourism rates in the Kashmir Valley were up six-fold over 2002.
06/26/03 — Indian Deputy PM Advani made what appeared to be a statement
criticizing the United States for providing military and economic aid to
Pakistan while that country sponsors and abets terrorism.
06/25/03 — A senior Indian defense official said that a major counterinsurgency
operation in Indian Kashmir had “eliminated 350 terrorists” since mid-
May.
06/24/03 — An Indian government spokesman indicated that India is prepared to hold
talks with Pakistan on the resumption of air links between the two
countries.
06/23/03 — Assistant Secretary of State for Diplomatic Security Taylor joined
Ambassador Blackwill in New Delhi to present India with a rapid
response trailer as part of ongoing efforts to bolster India’s abilities to
counter terrorist attacks involving chemical, biological, or radiological
weapons. On the same day, unusually lethal violence killed 16 and
wounded 40 in Indian Kashmir.
06/22/03 — An improvement in relations between the world’s two most populous
countries came when Indian PM Vajpayee traveled to China, the first
visit by an Indian leader in a decade. India formally recognized Chinese
sovereignty over Tibet, while
Beijing agreed to begin border trade
through the Indian state of Sikkim, a move seen as tacit acceptance of
India’s claim over that region. A total of 9 formal agreements were inked
and first-ever joint naval exercises were planned for later in the year.
06/20/03 — The World Trade Organization’s dispute settlement panel rejected an
Indian challenge to U.S. rules on determining the country of origin for
textiles. On the same day, 12 people were killed in separatist violence in
India’s northeastern Assam state.
06/19/03 — Two U.S. Navy frigates arrived in India’s Kochi Port for a three-day visit.
06/18/03 — Indian Foreign Minister Sinha raised a “procedural” matter that at least
temporarily prevents Pakistani membership in the ASEAN Regional
Forum.
06/17/03 — A high-level delegation of military officials from the U.S. Pacific
Command traveled to Indian Kashmir to discuss security concerns with
their Indian counterparts. On the same day, 10 Indian parliamentarians
began an 8-day “peace mission” in Pakistan, while Indian PM Vajpayee
said that Pakistan was “preparing for a fourth defeat” in its proxy war with
India.
06/16/03 — A delegation of senior U.S. defense officials led by Assistant Secretary of
Defense for International Security Affairs Rodman met with Indian
officials in Delhi to urge India to send a peacekeeping force to Iraq.
06/13/03 — U.S. Ambassador to India Blackwill said that, “Terrorism emanating from
Pakistan [to India] has not ended.”
06/11/03 — Secretary of Commerce Evans met with Indian Minister of Commerce and
Industry Jaitley in Washington to discuss the enhancement and deepening
of bilateral trade and economic ties between the two countries.

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CRS-5
06/08/03 — While visiting Washington, Indian Deputy PM Advani met with numerous
top U.S. government officials, including President Bush.
06/06/03 — A spokesman for India’s national coalition-leading BJP party criticized the
United States for “double-dealing” in its anti-terrorism efforts by
maintaining an alliance with Pakistan, the “epicenter of terrorism.” On
the same day, Indian PM Vajpayee said that terrorist attacks in Indian-held
Kashmir “have come down marginally over the last few months.”
06/05/03 — The Indian Air Force sent a team to participate in multilateral military
exercises with the United States and others in Alaska. The occasion will
provide the U.S. military with its first look at the Russian-built Su-30MKI,
considered by some to be the most capable fighter aircraft in its class.
06/02/03 — Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security Juster said that
U.S. export controls on dual-use goods are not impeding high-technology
trade between the United States and India.
06/01/03 — Indian Defense Minister Fernandes said that India and Pakistan are in the
“process of confidence-building,” and he sees “very definite movement
toward a summit.”
On the same day, India’s Central Bureau of
Investigation filed criminal conspiracy charges against Deputy PM Advani
for his alleged role in the demolition of the Ayodhya mosque in 1992.
05/03
— Deputy Secretary of State Armitage and Assistant Secretary of State for
South Asia Rocca visited South Asia in an effort to assist with further
easing tensions and fostering bilateral dialogue between India and
Pakistan. Also, Indian National Security Advisor Mishra met with senior
U.S. officials in Washington to discuss regional security issues.
04/03
— A significant thaw in India-Pakistan relations came with the first direct
contact between national leaders since the July 2001 summit in Agra,
India. The two agreed to restore full diplomatic relations, reopen key
transportation links, and pursue further confidence-building measures.
03/03
— The Indian government called the U.S.-led war in Iraq “unjustified”
and “avoidable.” Also, apparent Muslim extremists shot and killed 24
Hindu villagers in Indian Kashmir. New Delhi accused Pakistan of “cold-
blooded murder.”
02/03
— Indian Foreign Secretary Sibal led a delegation to Washington to meet
with Under Secretary of Commerce Juster and other U.S. officials for the
signing of a Statement of Principles for U.S.-India High Technology
Commerce. A second meeting of the Global Issues Forum was held in
Washington, as well. Also, the incumbent BJP suffered an upset loss to
the Congress Party in state elections in the overwhelmingly Hindu
northern state of Himachal Pradesh.
01/03
— India and Iran launched a “strategic partnership” with the signing of
the New Delhi Declaration and seven other substantive agreements. India
also signed a “landmark” defense cooperation protocol with Russia setting
up several joint ventures for developing sophisticated weapons platforms.
Finally, India announced that it has set up a nuclear weapons command
system — the Nuclear Command Authority — headed by the prime
minister.
12/02
— Elections in the state of Gujarat, the site of massive communal violence
earlier in 2002, resulted in an unexpectedly decisive victory for the
incumbent Hindu-nationalist BJP party, which ran a divisive communal
campaign.

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CRS-6
11/02
— Under Secretary of Commerce Juster led a U.S. delegation to India for a
high technology commerce dialogue with top Indian officials.
10/02
— India announced a major redeployment of troops away from border areas,
signaling an end to a tense 10-month-long military face-off with
Pakistan. Also, Under Secretary of State for Global Affairs Dobriansky
met in New Delhi with Indian officials for the inaugural session of a new
India-U.S. Global Issues Forum.
09-10/02 — State elections in India’s Jammu and Kashmir state, widely recognized
as being free and fair, resulted in the ousting of the long-ruling National
Conference and the seating of a new coalition government that vowed to
“soften” policy toward separatist militants.
09/02
— Gunmen stormed a Hindu temple in Gujarat and killed 23 worshipers.
The attackers were suspected to be Islamic militants seeking revenge for
February 2002 anti-Muslim rioting in the state.
06/02
— Intense international diplomatic pressure — including multiple visits to
the region by senior U.S. government officials — apparently was
sufficient to persuade New Delhi to refrain from taking military action
against Pakistan. Key to the effort were explicit promises by Pakistani
President Musharraf to U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Armitage that
all infiltration of militants across the Line of Control and into Indian-held
Kashmir would be halted.
05/02
— A terrorist attack on an Indian army base in Jammu and Kashmir killed 34,
mostly women and children. New Delhi blamed the attack on the “cross-
border terrorism” of Pakistan-sponsored Islamic militants and vowed to
fight a “decisive war.”
02/02
— After Muslims reportedly set fire to a train carrying Hindu activists, killing
58, India’s worst communal rioting in more than a decade spread
across the Gujarat state and resulted in the deaths of more than 2,000,
mostly Muslims, at the hands of vengeful Hindu mobs. Human rights
groups accused top state governmental leaders of abetting the violence.
12/01
— A terrorist attack on the Indian Parliament complex in New Delhi
killed 14. India blamed the attack on Pakistan-backed Kashmiri militants
and began a massive military mobilization along the Pakistan-India
frontier. By the spring of 2002 some one million heavily-armed troops
faced-off at the shared border. Also in December, the United States
designated two Pakistan-based militant groups — Lashkar-e-Taiba and
Jaish-e-Mohammed — as Foreign Terrorist Organizations under U.S. law.
10/01
— A terrorist attack on the assembly building in India’s Jammu and
Kashmir state killed 34. New Delhi blamed the attack on Pakistan-
backed separatist militants and the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister
called for an Indian military assault on training camps in Pakistan-held
Kashmir.
09/01
— After major terrorist attacks on the United States, India offered its full
support for U.S. counterterrorism efforts in the region. Within two
months, all remaining proliferation-related restrictions on U.S. aid to India
were lifted.

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