Order Code RS21589
Updated April 18, 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, by K. Alan Kronstadt. This report will be updated
regularly.
04/17/06 — An
E x tern al Af f ai rs Mi n i stry
Acronyms:
spokesman said India will not accept
BJP: Bharatiya Janata Party
any U.S.-India civil nuclear
IAEA: International Atomic
cooperation agreement provision that
Energy Agency
would limit its freedom to test nuclear
weapons in the future. On the same day, polls opened in the first round
of voting for a new state legislature in West Bengal, where the long-ruling
Marxists hope to widen their advantage over the Congress Party.
04/14/06 — Two bombs exploded at New Delhi’s main mosque, injuring at least 13
people. No one claimed responsibility for the attack. On the same day,
a series of grenade attacks by suspected separatist militants killed at least
5 people and wounded another 18 in Srinagar, Kashmir. Also, a senior
Indian Air Force officer said India will reduce the number of joint air
exercises with foreign militaries to two per year and will hold such
exercises with the United States once every three years.
04/13/06 — Prime Minister Singh identified a worsening Maoist insurgency as
“the single biggest internal security challenge” ever faced by India,
saying it threatened “our democracy, our way of life.”
04/12/06 — The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation agreed in principle
to grant the United States (and South Korea) observer status. On the same
day, an Indian intelligence official and five suspected separatist militants
were killed in a gunbattle in Kashmir.
04/11/06 — India’s Air Force chief announced that India had begun work on creating
an inter-services military Aerospace Command.
04/10/06 — Afghan President Karzai met with top Indian leaders in New Delhi,
where Prime Minister Singh pledged another $50 million in assistance to
Congressional Research Service ˜ The Library of Congress

---

CRS-2
Afghanistan (bringing total assistance to $650 million since 2001). On the
same day, polls opened in the first round of voting for a new state
legislature in Assam, where the incumbent Congress Party faces stiff
competition from a more conservative regional party. Also, Pakistan
lodged a formal protest with India, blaming the Indian Coast Guard for
attacking a Pakistani fishing vessel, killing one crewman. Finally,
suspected separatist militants killed three civilians in Kashmir.
04/09/06 — House Speaker Representative Dennis Hastert led a bipartisan House
delegation on a four-day visit to New Delhi and Jaipur to meet with top
Indian leaders. On the same day, Interpol issued a special worldwide
notice against fugitive Indian crime figure Dawood Ibrahim, wanted in
connection with 1993 terrorist bombings that killed more than 260 people
in Bombay. Ibrahim may be in Pakistan. Also, a senior leader of the
opposition BJP said the U.S.-India civil nuclear cooperation agreement
would “jeopardize” India’s self-reliance by giving the U.S. president
power over India’s nuclear programs.
04/08/06 — The Ministry of External Affairs rejected a U.S. prompt that India
better define its “minimum credible [nuclear] deterrent”
requirements, saying the “self-explanatory term” is a “response to a
dynamic and changing security environment.”
04/07/06 — The BJP-controlled state legislature of Rajasthan passed a law banning
“forced” religious conversions.
04/06/06 — H.Con.Res. 388, condemning human rights violations against the
Kashmiri Pandits, was introduced in the House. On the same day, 4
people were killed and 19 injured in communal violence between Hindus
and Muslims in the northern Uttar Pradesh state.
04/05/06 — Key House and Senate committees hosted Secretary of State Rice for
hearings on proposed U.S.-India civil nuclear cooperation. Senate
Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Senator Richard Lugar said “we
have only scratched the surface of this intricate agreement and the national
security questions it has raised.” House International Relations
Committee Chairman Representative Henry Hyde lauded a growing
“global partnership” with India while raising concerns about the “possible
detrimental impact” proposed nuclear cooperation could have on U.S. and
global nonproliferation policy. Secretary Rice argued forcefully in favor
of the Administration’s initiative, insisting it will deepen the bilateral
strategic partnership, enhance energy security, benefit the environment,
create opportunities for U.S. business, and enhance the international
nuclear nonproliferation regime. Many Members expressed favorable
attitudes toward the initiative while continuing to raise questions about the
details of the Administration’s approach. On the same day, New Delhi
police arrested six Islamic militants in connection with 3/7 terrorist
bombings in Varanasi. One suspect is a cleric linked to the Bangladesh-
based Harakat Jihad-al Islami terrorist group.
04/03/06 — The State Department confirmed that two Iranian naval vessels had
visited Indian ports in March, but called it a “limited type of event” that
does not suggest Indian involvement in training or contributing to Iranian
military capabilities. Some in Congress expressed concern about India-
Iran military ties. On the same day, the United States and India signed an

---

CRS-3
agreement on India’s participation in the FutureGen project to build an
emissions-free coal-fired power plant.
04/02/06 — Five Maoist militants were killed in a gunbattle with police in the southern
Andhra Pradesh state.
03/31/06 — One policeman and three suspected Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists were killed,
and 11 other people injured, in separatist-related violence in Kashmir.
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
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.

---

CRS-4
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 — 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. 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,
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.” Also, Defense Minister
Mukherjee said 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.
03/10/06 — 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.”

---

CRS-5
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 — 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
bilateral trade and investment relations.
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. 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 protest in several Indian cities.
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.
02/27/06 — Prime Minister Singh assured Parliament that no IAEA safeguards would
be accepted on the country’s fast breeder reactors. 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.”
02/22/06 — 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.
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

---

CRS-6
agreed to further strengthen their “strategic partnership” and
affirmed their intention to cooperate in the field of civil nuclear power.
02/18/06 — 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 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 remained committed to the proposed Iran-
Pakistan-India gas pipeline.
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.”
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 Chhattisgarh.
02/08/06 — Senior Indian nuclear scientist and Atomic Energy Commission Chair
Anil Kakodkar told an interviewer that India’s nuclear energy and nuclear
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.”
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
vote, calling it “unacceptable” and a capitulation to U.S. pressure.
02/03/06 — The Indian Navy declined an offer to lease two U.S. P-3C maritime
reconnaissance aircraft, calling the arrangements “expensive.”
01/31/06 — Former Indian National Security Advisor Mishra said the July 2005
agreement on U.S.-India civil nuclear cooperation “should be thrown in
the waste paper basket.”
01/29/06 — U.S. Ambassador to India Mulford criticized Indian leftist parties for their
opposition to opening India’s retail market to foreign investment.
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.”

---