Order Code RS21589
Updated March 31, 2006
CRS Report for Congress
Received through the CRS Web
India: Chronology of Recent Events
K. Alan Kronstadt
Analyst in Asian Affairs
Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division
Summary
This report provides a reverse chronology of recent events involving India and
India-U.S. relations. Sources include, but are not limited to, major newswires, the U.S.
Department of State, and Indian news outlets. For a substantive review, see CRS Issue
Brief IB93097, India-U.S. Relations. This report will be updated regularly.
03/31/06
— One policeman and three suspected
Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists were killed,
Acronyms:
BJP: Bharatiya Janata Party
and 11 other people injured, in
IAEA: International Atomic
separatist-related violence in Kashmir.
Energy Agency
03/30/06 — During a visit to Washington, Foreign
Secretary Saran defended proposed U.S.-
India civil nuclear cooperation, rejecting fears that India would quickly
bolster its nuclear weapons arsenal and calling the proposal a “critical
component” of broader U.S.-India relations. On the same day, a
University of Toronto-sponsored study found that the prevalence of HIV
infection in four Indian states appeared to have fallen by 35% between
2000 and 2004, casting doubt on predictions of a major health catastrophe.
Finally, Iran’s foreign minister said that proposed U.S.-India civil nuclear
cooperation will not detract from friendly India-Iran relations.
03/29/06 — In a Washington Post opinion article, former President Jimmy Carter
criticized proposed civil nuclear cooperation with India as “just one more
step in opening Pandora’s box of nuclear proliferation.” On the same day,
the Indian and Pakistan commerce secretaries held Composite Dialogue
talks on bilateral economic and commercial cooperation.
03/28/06 — Secretary of State Rice told a Senate panel that the United States would
like to see India (and China) be more active pressuring the oppressive
regime in Burma. On the same day, an Indian doctor was convicted for
revealing the gender of a fetus to its parents, the first-ever such conviction
under a 12-year-old law.
03/27/06 — In a speech to the Council on Foreign Relations, Under Secretary of State
Burns said, “We see a possibility of creating with India one of the two or
three or four most important strategic relationships that we have with any
Congressional Research Service ˜ The Library of Congress

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country in the world” and he claimed that civil nuclear cooperation with
India “will cement the new [U.S.-India] strategic relationship.” On the
same day, five suspected separatist militants were killed in Kashmir.
03/26/06 — India and Israel reportedly agreed to hold their first-ever joint military
exercises that would involve top-line Indian and Israeli fighter aircraft.
03/24/06 — In a speech marking the launch of a new bus service linking Amritsar,
India with Nankana Sahib, Pakistan, Prime Minister Singh said “India
sincerely believes that a strong, stable, prosperous, and moderate
Pakistan is in the interest of India,”claimed India “is not afraid” to find
a resolution to the Kashmir dispute, and envisioned entering into a Treaty
of Peace, Security, and Friendship with Islamabad. Pakistan cautiously
welcomed the comments while insisting that Kashmir remained the “heart
of [bilateral] conflict, mistrust, and hostility.” On the same day, a
landmine attack by Maoist militants killed 13 civilians in the central
Chhattisgarh state. The militants later issued a rare apology for the deaths,
saying they had been targeting police. Also Maoist militants raided a jail
in the eastern Orissa state, freeing 35 of their compatriots. Two policemen
and three militants were killed in the raid.
03/23/06 — U.S. officials in Vienna failed to obtain a Nuclear Suppliers Group
agreement to consider proposals for nuclear cooperation with India at the
body’s May 2006 plenary session. Opposition reportedly was led by Japan
and Australia, with several other member states expressing reservations.
On the same day, Congress Party leader Sonia Gandhi resigned her seat in
Parliament in an effort to defuse a dispute over claims she had broken
parliamentary rules.
03/22/06 — Top Indian law enforcement officials met with their Pakistani counterparts
in New Delhi to discuss increased cooperation in areas of mutual concern.
03/21/06 — The benchmark Sensex index of the Bombay Stock Exchange rose above
the 11,000 mark for the first time ever. On the same day, during a visit to
New Delhi by Bangladeshi Prime Minister Zia, India and Bangladesh
agreed to cooperate in counterterrorism efforts.
03/20/06 — The U.S. Chamber of Commerce sent letters to Congress in support of
legislation to allow for civil nuclear cooperation with India, claiming such
cooperation would “foster deeper strategic ties that will yield significant
commercial opportunities for U.S. companies.” On the same day, a
landmine planted by Maoist militants killed at least 2 policemen and
injured 10 others in the central Chhattisgarh state. Also, four suspected
separatist militants were killed in a gunbattle in Kashmir. Finally, Texas-
based Dell Inc. announced plans to double the size of its workforce in
India to 20,000.
03/17/06 — Russian Premier Fradkov visited New Delhi, where India and Russia
signed seven agreements to cooperate on space and energy issues. On the
same day, Pakistani President Musharraf said proposed U.S.-India civil
nuclear cooperation would “upset the balance of power” in Asia.
03/16/06 — H.R. 4974 and S. 2429, to waive the application of certain
requirements under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 with respect to
India were, at the President’s request, introduced in the House and Senate,
respectively. On the same day, President Bush’s 2006 National Security
Strategy of the United States stated, “We have set aside decades of
mistrust and put relations with India ... on a new and fruitful path.” Also,

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Under Secretary of State Burns said it will likely take “several months” to
move forward with plans for civil nuclear cooperation with India and
warned that to “reopen” the negotiated deal would probably risk its end.
Finally, Pakistan’s foreign minister said the U.S.-India nuclear deal would
“unravel” the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty.
03/15/06 — The Energy Diplomacy and Security Act of 2006 (S. 2435), which
includes India-related initiatives, was introduced in the Senate.
03/13/06 — A press statement from Chairman of the House International Relations
Committee Representative Henry Hyde suggested that Congress may
seek conditions for approval of legislation to allow for civil nuclear
cooperation with India. On the same day, in a Washington Post opinion
article, Secretary of State Rice argued that proposed civil nuclear
cooperation with India “is an essential step toward our goal of
transforming America’s partnership with India” and represents “an
opportunity that should not be missed.” Also, Defense Minister Mukherjee
said that India would not compromise its relationship with Iran “at any
cost.” Finally, three days of India-China talks on unresolved border
disputes failed to make progress, but ended with agreement to meet again.
03/11/06 — Leftist parties and the main opposition BJP in Parliament criticized the
New Delhi government’s approach to civil nuclear cooperation with the
United States as a sacrifice of India’s foreign policy independence.
03/10/06 — An open letter to Congress signed by 27 South Asia experts urged
approval of legislation to allow for civil nuclear cooperation with India.
03/09/06 — During a visit to Rangoon by Indian President Kalam, India and Burma
agreed to move forward with efforts to bring Burmese natural gas to India.
The house arrest of Burmese pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi
was not discussed. On the same day, five suspected Maoist militants were
killed in gunbattles with police in the central Chhattisgarh state. London-
based Amnesty International expressed concern over the safety of civilians
in the region’s “escalating conflict.”
03/08/06 — The White House issued a press release responding to critics of proposed
U.S. civil nuclear cooperation with India.
03/07/06 — Apparent terrorist bombings in the Hindu holy city of Varanasi (or
Benares) killed at least 15 people and injured more than 100 others.
Investigators later implicated the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist
group. Security forces were deployed at holy sites across India in
anticipation of communal violence, which did not occur.
03/06/06 — Under Secretary of State Burns told an interviewer that civil nuclear
cooperation with India is very important “both politically and
psychologically in terms of the larger framework” of U.S.-India relations,
adding that the United States is “certainly not establishing a relationship
with India meant to be some kind of counterbalance to our relationship
with China.” On the same day, Prime Minister Singh told Parliament that
India’s 2/4 IAEA vote on Iran’s nuclear program was made in India’s
national interest and that his government remains committed to “widening,
deepening, and expanding” its ties with Iran.
03/05/06 — Hundreds of Maoist militants attacked a village in the central Chhattisgarh
state, killing 6 people and injuring 33 more.
03/03/06 — A report of the U.S.-India CEO Forum identified India’s poor
infrastructure and dense bureaucracy as key impediments to increased

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bilateral trade and investment relations. On the same day, four people
were killed in communal violence between Hindus and Muslims.
03/02/06 — President and Prime Minister Singh issued a Joint Statement
expressing mutual satisfaction with “great progress” made in advancing
the U.S.-India “strategic partnership.” The statement, which reviewed
bilateral efforts to expand ties in numerous areas, notably announced
“successful completion of India’s [nuclear facility] separation plan,”
a reference to ongoing and complex negotiations related to President
Bush’s July 2005 vow to achieve “full civilian nuclear energy cooperation
with India.” President Bush called the agreement “historic” and
“necessary” for helping the American and Indian people. IAEA
Secretary-General ElBaradei welcomed the deal as a “milestone” that
would benefit global nonproliferation efforts. Congressional commentary
on proposed U.S. civil nuclear cooperation with India included
enthusiasm, criticism, and skepticism. On the same day, the Pentagon
issued a statement lauding bilateral military relations with India and
anticipating possibly major arms sales to that country.
03/01/06 — President Bush arrived in New Delhi. Many thousands of mostly
Muslim and communist protestors, including some 100,000 Muslim
men in New Delhi, marched in several Indian cities in opposition the
President’s visit.
02/28/06 — President Bush began a four-day visit to South Asia. On the same day,
Maoist rebels exploded a landmine under a truck in the central
Chhattisgarh state, killing at least 55 people. Also, the Indian
government released its annual budget, which aims to reduce a deficit
while raising spending increases on education by 32%, on health by 22%,
and on defense by 7%. Finally, testifying on worldwide threats, Defense
Intelligence Agency Director Maples told a Senate panel that India and
Pakistan “continue modernizing their nuclear weapons stockpiles” and
“maintain aggressive ballistic missile programs.”
02/27/06 — Prime Minister Singh assured Parliament that no IAEA safeguards
would be accepted on the country’s fast breeder reactors. He also
stated that nuclear facilities representing “roughly 65%” of India’s
installed power-generating capacity would be placed under such
safeguards. On the same day, a group of major parties allied with the
Congress-led ruling coalition declared that President Bush “was certainly
not welcome in India.” Also, a major opinion survey found 66% of
Indians agreeing that President Bush is “a friend of India,” while 72%
believed America is “a bully.”
02/26/06 — Three suspected separatist militants were killed in a gunbattle in Kashmir.
02/25/06 — Prime Minister Singh convened a roundtable to discuss the future of the
Jammu and Kashmir state, but the meeting was boycotted by all factions
of the Hurriyat Conference of Kashmiri separatist groups.
02/22/06 — In a major speech, President Bush lauded close U.S. relations with
both India and Pakistan. He called India a “natural partner for the
United States” and identified five broad areas of bilateral cooperation:
counterterrorism, democracy promotion, trade promotion, health and
environmental protections, and energy initiatives. On the same day,
Under Secretary of State Burns arrived in New Delhi for further
negotiations on a U.S.-India civil nuclear cooperation deal. Also, 13

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people, including 4 youths, were killed in gunbattles between security
forces and militants in Kashmir.
02/21/06 — Indian air carrier Spicejet took a pre-order for ten Boeing jets in a deal
worth $1.4 billion.
02/20/06 — Major parties allied with the Congress-led ruling coalition walked out
of both houses of Parliament in protest, saying the government had
“compromised the national interest” by not demanding the recall of the
U.S. Ambassador after his 1/25 and 1/29 comments. On the same day,
French President Chirac visited New Delhi, where India and France
agreed to further strengthen their “strategic partnership” and
affirmed their intention to cooperate in the field of civil nuclear power.
02/18/06 — The U.S. embassy in New Delhi said that visas for certain Indian scientists
had not been denied but were under review, and it expressed regret for any
upset caused by confusion. On the same day, the “Thar Express”
railroad linking Rajasthan with Pakistan’s Sindh province was
resumed after more than four decades in suspension. Also, Indian
officials confirmed the country’s first N5N1 avian flu infections.
02/17/06 — Prime Minister Singh assured Parliament that India’s 2/4 IAEA vote did
not detract from India’s “traditionally close and friendly relations” with
Iran and that his government remains committed to the proposed Iran-
Pakistan-India gas pipeline.
02/16/06 — Indian press reported that two noted Indian scientists were separately
and arbitrarily denied U.S. visas.
02/15/06 — H.Con.Res. 344, expressing the sense of Congress that New Delhi and the
state of Jammu and Kashmir should take immediate steps to remedy the
situation of the Kashmiri Pandits, was introduced in the House.
02/14/06 — A group of six nonproliferation experts wrote a letter to Members of
Congress reiterating their belief that India’s commitments under the
current terms of the proposed U.S.-India civil nuclear cooperation deal
“do not justify making far-reaching exceptions to U.S. law and
international nonproliferation norms.” On the same day, three suspected
separatist militants were killed in a gunbattle in Kashmir. Also, suspected
Maoist militants killed three villagers in the central Chhattisgarh state.
02/11/06 — Eight people, including three soldiers, three militants, and two civilians,
were killed in separatist-related violence in Kashmir. On the same day,
two policemen and five demonstrators were killed during rioting in the
northeastern Assam state.
02/10/06 — The State Department’s Bureau of South Asian Affairs was
reorganized to include official responsibility for U.S. diplomatic relations
with Afghanistan and the five Central Asian states, and will now be called
the Bureau for South and Central Asian Affairs. On the same day,
suspected Maoist militants killed eight Indian security personnel and
injured nine others in an attack on a government facility in the central
Chhattisgarh state. Also, unidentified gunmen shot and killed a Hindu
religious leader and seven of his followers in the Uttar Pradesh state.
02/09/06 — India condemned Nepali elections, calling them a “hollow attempt to
legitimize power” by King Gyanendra.
02/08/06 — Senior Indian nuclear scientist and Atomic Energy Commission Chair
Anil Kakodkar told an interviewer that India’s nuclear energy and nuclear

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deterrent requirements preclude placing the country’s fast breeder reactors
under IAEA safeguards and he claimed that any U.S. requests in this vein
amounted to a “moving of the goal posts.” On the same day, India
announced that it was deploying about 300 paramilitary police to
Afghanistan to protect Indian civilians working there.
02/07/06 — The benchmark Sensex index of the Bombay Stock Exchange rose above
the 10,000 mark for the first time ever.
02/04/06 — India voted with the majority on an IAEA resolution to “report”
Iran’s controversial nuclear program to the U.N. Security Council.
Leftist parties and the regional Samajwadi Party criticized New Delhi’s
2/4 IAEA vote on Iran, calling it “unacceptable” and a capitulation to U.S.
pressure. Some major newspaper editorials echoed the sentiments.
02/03/06 — The Indian Navy declined an offer to lease two U.S. P-3C maritime
reconnaissance aircraft, calling the arrangements “expensive and time-
consuming.” On the same day, the opposition BJP took power in the
southern Karnataka state and its capital, Bangalore, the first time the BJP
has led a government in southern India.
02/01/06 — Under Secretary of State for Global Affairs Dobriansky led the U.S.
delegation for a fourth meeting of the U.S.-India Global Issues Forum
held in New Delhi.
01/31/06 — Former Indian National Security Advisor Mishra said the July 2005
agreement on U.S.-India civil nuclear cooperation could end up
compromising India’s strategic interests and “should be thrown in the
waste paper basket.”
01/29/06 — U.S. Ambassador to India Mulford reportedly criticized Indian leftist
parties for their opposition to opening India’s retail market to foreign
investment. On the same day, Prime Minister Singh replaced Oil Minister
Aiyar with Murli Deora, who is considered to be pro-reform and pro-U.S.
01/27/06 — Saudi King Abdullah visited New Delhi, where India and Saudi Arabia
signed a pact to expand bilateral counterterrorism cooperation, trade and
investment opportunities, and to develop a “strategic energy partnership.”
01/25/06 — U.S. Ambassador to India Mulford explicitly linked progress on a
proposed U.S.-India civil nuclear cooperation agreement with India’s
upcoming IAEA vote on Iran’s nuclear program, saying if India chose
not to vote with the United States, he believed the U.S.-India civil nuclear
cooperation initiative “will die in the Congress.”
01/19/06 — Career Foreign Service officer Richard Boucher was nominated to be
Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs.
01/10/06 — Foreign Secretary Saran concluded a visit to Beijing where he
discussed the India-China “strategic partnership.” India and China later
agreed to cooperate in securing overseas oil resources.
01/08/06 — Pakistani President Musharraf accused India of arming and
financing militants fighting in Baluchistan. New Delhi categorically
rejected the allegations as being “utterly baseless and false.”

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