4. Foreign Relations
Union Home Minister L.K Advani will visit Israel, France and Britain,
and the Israeli portion of his trip will focus on technology and tactics
of surveillance, border management, and counter-terrorism. In France he
will visit Interpol, and in Britain he will visit Scotland Yard.
"Advani to go on three-nation tour"
Former US President Jimmy Carter said that it was important that the US
recognize India as a regional power. While the US should not upset the
Pakistan-India balance by forging a strategic alliance with India, the
US should pursue a stronger relationship. The US and India will study
Indian poppy production to limit illegal opium while ensuring a stable
medical supply.
"Carter laments US apathy towards India for 22 years"
"India, U.S. accord on poppy research"
Vice President Krishan Kant will visit Bulgaria June 8-21 and then visit
Egypt. Meanwhile, two Mig-21 jet fighter canopies bound for India were
seized by Bulgarian customs as the trader lacked a permit to traffic in
military products.
"Vice-President to visit Bulgaria"
"Bulgaria seizes India-bound aircraft parts"
Russia and India celebrated 100 years of consular relations between the
two countries. However, in signing a memorandum of understanding with
the US to set up a joint center for data exchange on missile launches,
Russia has put created tension with India and the PRC, which are
Russia's strategic partners.
"100 years of Indo-Russian relations celebrated"
"'US-Russia missile pact ignored Indian interests'"
British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook said that each region should decide
which country should represent it in an enlarged UN Security Council.
Cook also expressed reservations about Indian human rights violations in
Kashmir.
"London papers over support for Delhi's UN bid"
Citing Iraqi support for India in the 1970s and 80s, Iraqi Ambassador to
India Salah Al-Mukhtar criticized India for not providing enough
political support to Iraq.
"Envoy says India has not done enough for Iraq"