INDIA TAKES STEP TOWARDS JOINING CSI

UNCLAS NEW DELHI 007853 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC IN GOI SUBJECT: INDIA TAKES STEP TOWARDS JOINING CSI ¶1. This is an action cable. See paragraph 4. ¶2. In a welcome surprise, the GOI passed us a December 8 letter from Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran indicating movement towards joining the Container Security Initiative. MEA Joint Secretary Jaishankar (United States and Canada) told the DCM SIPDIS the GOI has selected Mumbai's principal port to be the pilot project for India's participation in CSI. He also said he is prepared to lead an interagency team to Washington in January to discuss a way forward. Our Customs Attache has faxed a copy of the letter to the Commissioner. ¶3. Begin GOI Text: Excellency, I have the honour to convey the Government of India's interest in discussing with the US Government the possibility of participation in the Container Security Initiative. On the Indian side, the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust has been identified for a pilot project in this regard. An official team from India is prepared to visit the United States for further discussions on the proposal at your convenience. Your assistance in advancing this process would be appreciated. With assurances of highest consideration. /s/ Shyam Saran End text. ¶4. Mission would appreciate feedback soonest from State and Customs on the GOI's suggestion to send a team to Washington in January. MULFORD