July 20, 1998

The Following is the text of a press release issued in New Delhi on July 20, 1998
 

The Prime Minister received this evening a delegation led by Mr. Strobe Talbott, Deputy Secretary of State of the United States of America and discussed the current state of Indo-US relations. The Prime Minister was assisted by Shri Jaswant Singh, Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, who has held three rounds of discussions with Mr. Talbott since 12 June 1998. The Minister of State of External Affairs, Shrimati Vasundhara Raje, the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, the Foreign Secretary and other officials were also present. Mr. Talbott was accompanied by Mr. R. F. Celeste, US Ambassador to India, General Ralston, Vice Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, Mr. K. I. Inderfurth, Assistant Secretary of State and other US officials.

Mr. Talbott gave a letter to the Prime Ministr from President Clinton of the United States.

The Prime Minister was informed of the progress made towards the removal of problems in Indo-US relations wihich surfaced after the Indian underground nucleasr tests conducted on the 11h and 13th of May, 1988. There is now a clearer understanding of each other's concerns and certain steps in the direction of addressing those concerns are contemplated. However, ground remains to be covered and it has been agreed that another round of talks between Mr. Talbott and Shri Jaswant Singh will be held in the second half of August in Washington.

The Prime Minister indicated to Mr. Talbott that he would soon send a reply to President Clinton. In the meanwhile he asked Mr. Talbott to convey his greetings to President Clinton as also the desire of India to put relations with the United States back on an even keel.