Nuclear Issues

1. Pakistan Proliferation Concerns
2. India Missile Program

Nuclear Issues

US Assistant Secretary of State Richard Armitage asserted in an interview with the Financial Times that the US was concerned about proliferation by Pakistan, especially in regards to the activities of "people who were employed by the nuclear agency and have retired." US officials are reported to have said there are indications that there have been direct contacts between Pakistani nuclear officials and DPRK representatives.
"US disquiet over Pak-N Korea nuclear missile nexus"
"Pak-North Korea nexus upsets US"

Indian Defense Minister Jaswant Singh informed a parliamentary committee attached to his ministry that the Agni-II ballistic missile, with a range of 2,000 km, was operational and is in limited production to be inducted into the military during 2001-2002.
"Long-range Agni missile gets go-ahead"

India

Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov stated that Russia, "Must conduct a dialogue with the US, China and India to find a common response to the new threats in the 21st century." Referring to the US plan to deploy missile defenses, he said, "We should neutralize these threats, but not at the cost of security and international stability."
"Russia wants talks with US, India on NMD"

Indian Foreign Minister Jaswant Singh began four days of talks in Russia with foreign ministry and defense officials there. Russia is attempting to coordinate international response to US plans to deploy missile defense. The Times of India reports that Russia is likely to use the opportunity to attempt to clarify India's positive response to US missile defense plans, as India is one of the few to not respond with skepticism. The two countries are expected to sign several arms deals during the visit.
"Jaswant Singh in Moscow for missile talks"
"Jaswant in Moscow for missile talks"
"Russia, India eye arms, plane pacts"
"New defence deals with Russia in the pipeline"

US National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice appointed Afghan-born Zalmay Khalilzad, former director of RAND's Project Air Force program on Strategy, Doctrine and Force Structure, to be senior director of the National Security Council's Gulf, South and Southwest Asia and Other Regional Issues group. A study recently completed by Khalilzad proposed that the US encourage a balance of power between Russia, India and the PRC to prevent any of them from uniting against the US or from dominating one another.
"Pro-Indian Khalilzad in Bush security team"

The Dawn reports that India's ability to achieve a stronger relationship with the US has been linked with India's efforts to improve relations with Pakistan. An article by US Ambassador Teresita Schaffer and Mandavi Mehta in CSIS' South Asia Monitor, cited in The Dawn, states that India may be more receptive than previously to US pressure to encouragement on the peace process. They also argue that India wants the US to acknowledge its increased security interests along the Indian Ocean from the Strait of Malacca to the Suez Canal.
"Better Indo-US ties linked to peace with Pakistan"

Indian Home Minister L.K. Advani, speaking about the invitation to visit India extended recently to Pakistan Chief Executive Pervez Musharraf, said that the relationship with Pakistan would be strong but friendly. He said, "There would be no relaxation in the area of security, but the country was prepared for friendship."
"Progress likely in Indo-Pak ties: Advani"
"Indo-Pak. ties will make progress: Advani"
" Advani strikes a `firm but friendly' posture on Pak"
"Pakistan, India set on peace path, says Advani"

Advani later said that extending an invitation to talks to Musharraf did not accord legitimacy to Pakistan's military regime.
"Talks offer does not give legitimacy to Pak regime: Advani"

The Indian government interlocutor for talks in Kashmir, K.C. Pant, speaking as he began talks with representatives of political parties, said the Kashmiris wishes and aspirations were being noted during his talks. K.C. Pant said that all groups which did not assist in the peace process, referring to the All-Parties Hurriyat Conference's resistance to participate, will need to answer to the Kashmiri people for their "obstructionist attitude."
"Aspirations of people to be taken note of: Pant"
"Pant begins talks with party representatives"
"India attacks All Parties Hurriyat Conference stance"

K.C. Pant met with former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and leader of the Awami National Council Ghulam Mohammad Shah. Shah said, "I told Pant 'what is there left to talk about when your Jaswant Singh says that Kashmir is an integral part of India.'" Without tripartite talks, he said, "Proxy war will remain a proxy war and change into regular war, and finally lead to nuclear war."
"Shah meets Pant, wants tripartite talks on J&K"

Following the Nepalese regicide, India sealed its border with Nepal to vehicles and placed its troops on red-alert. Border access for vehicular traffic was restored on June 4. The Times of India reports that the 1950 Indo-Nepal treaty guarantees citizens of both countries freedom to cross their shared border.
"Red alert sounded along Indo-Nepal border"
"Indian vehicles stopped at Nepal check post"
"Vehicular traffic to Nepal resumes"

Pakistan

Pakistan's Jamaat-e-Islami, its largest political party, extended its support to Pakistan Chief Executive Pervez Musharraf's upcoming visit to India. The party's support provides Musharraf with support against those resisting engagement with India, thought the party's statement also puts some restrictions upon Musharraf's range of policy responses.
"Pak. outfit backs Musharraf visit"

The Times of India and The Hindu reported that Pakistan Rangers opened fire with light weapons, firing upon Indian border posts in Jammu, Akhnoor and Kathua. No injuries or damage was reported.
"Pak troops open fire along international border"
"Pak. Rangers open fire"

The Pakistan Maritime Security Agency has released 158 detained Indian fishermen, including three children, and their 34 boats. Their departure was delayed from June 4 to June 7 due to rough seas. 196 Indian fishermen remain in Pakistani custody. India released 160 Pakistani fishermen in April, and 229 remain detained.
"Pakistan to release 157 Indian fishermen"
"Pakistan releases 158 Indian fishermen"
"157 Indian fishermen released"
"Fishermen to depart from Pakistan on June 4"
"Indians' departure delayed"

Christine Rocca was sworn in as US Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia Affairs, replacing Karl Inderfurth. Rocca said during her Senate confirmation hearings that sanctioned against India and Pakistan should be repealed. She said, "My perspective is the sanctions have outlived their usefulness and we need to find a new framework."
"Rocca sworn in as US Asst Secy of State for S Asia"
"Christina Rocca sworn in"
"Congress in favour of ending curbs: Rocca"

The Dawn reports that US plans for missile defense will be among the issues discussed during Pakistan Foreign Minister Abdul Sattar's trip to the US. The Times of India reports that since the recent warming of India-Pakistan relations, Sattar's proposed visit is being viewed in a more positive light.
"Washington to discuss National Missile Defence issue with Islamabad"
"Pak hopes for gains during Sattar visit to US, UK"

Former US President Bill Clinton revealed to the BBC that it may have been partly at his insistence that Pakistan withdrew from Kargil and that subsequently then-President Nawaz Sharif was ousted in a coup. When Sharif sought to visit the US and meet with Clinton on July 4 of that year, Clinton said, "You cannot come for this emergency meeting unless you're prepared to withdraw Pakistani troops back over the Line of Control and the second thing is you cannot expect me now to say I intend to mediate in this conflict because the Indian's will not have it."
"'Pak troops withdrew from Kargil at my insistence'"
"'Pakistan Withdrew Its Troops At My Insistence'"

The Russian daily Izvestia published an interview with Pakistan Chief Executive Pervez Musharraf, in which he expressed displeasure at Russia's one-sided support of India, but also asked for Russian mediation in the dialogue on Kashmir. Musharraf also stated that Pakistan would conduct nuclear tests and develop its nuclear arsenal if needed to keep pace with India. Musharraf also inquired as to what changes Russia would like to see in order to approve fighter jet sales to Pakistan.
"Musharraf seeks Russian mediation in J&K talks"
"Musharraf for Russian mediation on Kashmir"
"Musharraf seeks Russia's mediation on Kashmir"
"Russia refused to sell SU-30s to Pak."

Pakistan Chief Executive Pervez Musharraf also said in his interview by Izvestia that Russia should recognize the Taliban's rule in Afghanistan in order to increase stability there.
"Musharraf urges Russia to recognise Taliban"

Kashmir

Indian Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pramod Mahajan stated that Pakistan Chief Executive Pervez Musharraf was likely to visit India during the first half of July for the summit meeting with Indian Prime Minister A.B. Vajpayee. The summit cannot take place in June because Vajpayee is scheduled to undergo knee surgery.
"Musharraf visit only in first half of July"
"Musharraf, Vajpayee may meet in July"

Badri Raina writes in The Hindu that Indian hard-liners must avoid antagonizing the situation, just as Pakistan Chief Executive Pervez Musharraf must have already recognized that India is humbling itself by inviting him to talks. Raina states that India must be prepared to put forward honest proposals at the summit, but that Musharraf must also recognize the validity of India's constraints.
"Dealing with Kashmir"

An essay in The Hindu argues that Kashmiris are awaiting the Musharraf-Vajpayee summit for developments concerning Kashmir, because K.C. Pant, though he was purported to be the Indian government's negotiator, appears to be concerned primarily with development issues. The essay also states that many Kashmiri militant groups are not prepared to enter talks with the Indian government on present terms, though the essay does not explain why specifically. The essay does state that harsh statements by External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh eroded Pant's credibility.
"Waiting for the General"

Vijay Pushkarna writes in The Week that Kashmiri people were hopeful because of the gesture by Indian Prime Minister A.B. Vajpayee, and not necessarily because Pakistan Chief Executive Pervez Musharraf is to visit India. However, Pushkarna argues, the ease with which rumors spread regarding violence points the ease with which saboteurs can pre-empt and derail summit talks.
"Hoping against hope"

Pran Chopra writes in The Hindu that India-Pakistan summit talks could follow the agenda of the Lahore talks, but that Pakistan Chief Executive Pervez Musharraf should feel free to propose changes to this agenda. Chopra argues that both countries must not disown any agreement on the basis of a change in government. Chopra states that Pakistan has already endangered the talks by seeking a mediation role for Russia in the summit.
"Indo-Pakistan realities"

The Panun Kashmir group stated that their delegation had met with Indian interlocutor K.C. Pant and told him that the best solution for Kashmir would be to have Kashmir reorganized with the status of a Union territory.
"Kashmiri pandits want reorganisation of J&K"

All-Parties Hurriyat Conference chairman Abdul Gani Bhat expressed confidence that the APHC would play a central role in any realistic dialogue between India and Pakistan over Kashmir.
"Hurriyat confident of emerging as a key player"

Hizbul Mujahideen commander Abdul Majid Dar stated that his group would stop militant activities in Jammu and Kashmir if Pakistan and India adopted a "realistic approach" to solving the Kashmir issue. Dar said the Hizbul would not be an impediment to the peace process, but did not indicate what specific steps would lead to a cessation of violence by the group. Dar came into prominence when he declared a unilateral ceasefire last July.
"Hizb to stop activities if Indo, Pak shun rigid stance"
"Will cease operations if Kashmir is viewed realistically: Hizb"

Three militants who had been trapped in a mosque for twenty hours in Srinagar were granted safe passage to escape in order to preserve the sanctity of the mosque. Two Indian security force troops had been killed and another injured.
"Militants holed up in mosque given safe passage"
"Mujahideen leave besieged mosque"

The links below provide coverage of violence that occurred in the past week in Jammu and Kashmir.
"Seven Afghan infiltrators shot"
"7 Afghans killed in Kashmir, says India"
"17 militants among 20 killed in J&K"
"3 blasts rock kashmir, 11 killed in J&K"
"14 militants killed in encounter in J&K"
"14 militants killed in J&K"
"10 killed in Kashmir"
"17 fighters killed in Valley"
"19 die in Kashmir violence"
"10 killed in held Kashmir"
"18 killed in Held Kashmir clashes"
"19 killed in held Kashmir"

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka informed regional foreign ministers due to visit for the June 8 meetings of the SAARC Standing Committee of Foreign Secretaries that it was postponing the meeting out of respect for the recent regicide in Nepal.
"Colombo postpones Saarc meeting"
"SAARC meeting postponed due to Nepal tragedy"

The Sri Lankan government, said media minister Anura Yapa, would not lift its ban on the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) prior to the beginning of Norwegian-back peace talks. This statement dims the likelihood of imminent talks.
"LTTE demands unacceptable: Lanka govt"

Produced by the Nautilus Institute for Security and Sustainable Development in partnership with the Monash Asia Institute.

Robert Brown, SANDNet Coordinator: SANDNet@nautilus.org
Berkeley, California, United States

Wade L. Huntley, Security Program Director: SANDNet@nautilus.org
Berkeley, California, United States