INDIA REQUESTS PATRIOT PAC-2 CLASSIFIED BRIEFING

C O N F I D E N T I A L NEW DELHI 007754

SIPDIS

STATE FOR UNDERSECRETARY GROSSMAN, AC AND SA/RA, DOD FOR
DTSA AND OSD OFFICE OF MISSILE DEFENSE POLICY

E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/15/2014
TAGS: PREL MASS IN
SUBJECT: INDIA REQUESTS PATRIOT PAC-2 CLASSIFIED BRIEFING

REF: STATE 260824

Classified By: DCM Robert O. Blake, Reasons 1.4 (B,D).


1. (C) Following up discussion at the recent US-India
Strategic Stability Dialogue (reftel),the GOI has conveyed a
December 8 letter (full text para 2) from Foreign Secretary
Saran to Undersecretary Grossman formally requesting a
classified briefing on the Patriot PAC-2 missile system. The
decision to move ahead on this initiative was clearly timed
with a view to the impending visit of SECDEF Rumsfeld.
However, it also reflects a prolonged debate within the
Congress government over missile defense policy, and the GOI
conclusion that deeper US-India collaboration in this area
would help to strengthen our new partnership and would
advance India's broader security interests. Against this
background, mission requests DTSA assistance in scheduling a
classified briefing as early as possible in 2005.


2. (U) Begin text GOI letter:

Dear Mr. Undersecretary,

I refer to your letter dated October 1, 2004 offering India
the opportunity to purchase Patriot Advanced Capability-2
(PAC-2) missile defense capability as part of the reciprocal
steps contemplated in Phase 1 of the Next Steps in Strategic
Partnership.

In order to evaluate the proposal, concerned Indian experts
would be interested in receiving a classified briefing on the
PAC-2. An early US Government response in that regard would
allow the ongoing strategic dialogue and NSSP-II discussions
to proceed forward.

With assurances of the highest consideration.

Shyam Saran
MULFORD