GOI DISCOURAGES CODEL TRAVEL TO TSUNAMI-AFFECTED

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 NEW DELHI 000036

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

FROM THE AMBASSADOR
H FOR SENATORS FRIST, MCCONNELL, DEWINE, COLEMAN,
BROWNBACK, CORZINE, BINGAMAN, AND REPRESENTATIVES LEACH,
FALEOMAVEAGO, AND SMITH

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OREP AMGT ASEC AFIN TH CE IN
SUBJECT: GOI DISCOURAGES CODEL TRAVEL TO TSUNAMI-AFFECTED
AREAS OF INDIA

REF: CHENNAI 1718


1. (SBU) Summary: Responding to requests for US
Congressional travel to tsunami-devastated areas of South
India, Foreign Secretary Saran expressed gratitude on January
3 for the many expressions of condolence and support, but
asked that US Codels not/not travel to South India. Saran,
who is India's representative in the Tsunami Core Group,
noted that PM Manmohan Singh chose not to visit the affected
areas directly, opting instead for an overflight of the
sites, on the grounds that VIP visits would hinder relief
efforts. The PM has also instructed all Ministers to avoid
travel or overflights of the affected regions and to prohibit
Indian VIP visits to the impacted areas. On top of these GOI
views, India has emphasized its determination to deal with
the effects of the tsunami through its own resources and to
lend its resources to its neighboring countries.
Transportation to affected areas would also pose major
difficulties. If we seek to arrange site visits, we may find
an unwillingness on the part of Indian authorities to give
clearance and support for foreign VIP visits. Local press
reports have strongly criticized "disaster tourism" by Indian
government officials, and high-level visits from the US could
generate similar headlines. Should Congressional visitors
decide to travel to South India, we would attempt to provide
whatever support is required for a successful visit. But our
best advice is to avoid such travel in deference to the
strong views expressed by the Government of India's
leadership. End Summary.

GOI Strongly Discourages VIP Travel to Tsunami Areas
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2. (SBU) In a January 3 meeting with the Ambassador, Foreign
Secretary Saran indicated that the PM had directed all

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Ministers and VIPs to avoid the tsunami-affected regions, and
suggested that visiting US Codels receive an Indian
military/interagency briefing on Indian relief activities in
New Delhi, rather than traveling to Southern India. Saran
noted that every time a VIP visits the region, the local
bureaucracy and security forces have to shift their focus
from relief activities to visitor support. He noted that VIP
overflights would interrupt the airflow at a time when the
Indian military is involved in intense operational
activities. In this context, he reiterated, India deeply
appreciates the many expressions of condolence and support
that it has received, but for now is asking that US
Congressional visitors not/not travel to South India.


3. (SBU) On January 2, MEA Joint Secretary (Americas)
Jaishankar offered a similar view, telling PolCouns that the
GOI was "strongly discouraging" US Congressional travel to
tsunami-damaged areas in India. He noted that PM Manmohan

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Singh had only flown over devastated areas so as not to
hinder relief efforts there. Jaishankar noted that this was
"non-discriminatory discouragement," as New Delhi is
requesting that all VIP visitors, not just those from the US,
forego travel to disaster areas. A senior Congress Party MP
also expressed GOI disapproval of VIP travel to the region,
noting that such visits could fuel the growing political
struggle between the UPA coalition at the Center and the
NDA-affiliated government of Tamil Nadu (Reftel).

India: We Can Handle This Ourselves
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4. (SBU) Through press reports and statements, the Indian
government has emphasized its intention to deal with the
effects of the tsunami through its own resources.
Demonstrating this point, India has been providing relief aid
to affected neighboring countries, including Sri Lanka and
the Maldives, in addition to providing for its own
population. In so doing, the GOI has highlighted its role as
an emerging global power, capable of meeting both its
domestic needs and those of the region.

Major Logistical Difficulties
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5. (U) Codels Frist, Bingaman, Leach, and a possible Codel
led by Senator Brownback, have all expressed an interest in
touring disaster sites in South India. Given the high number
of proposed visitors, and the limited number of sites that
have been affected, but are still reasonably accessible, the
various Codels would probably visit the same areas multiple
times. This could provide a substantial drain on relief
operations as government officials turn their attention to
coordinating details of official US visits to the region.


6. (U) South Indian and military airfields are currently
operating at over-capacity in an attempt to provide relief to
the survivors. As a result, the government of Tamil Nadu is
discouraging all foreign aircraft from landing in the state.
While it might be possible to arrange milair transport to
Chennai, air travel to the tsunami-affected areas is
currently unavailable. Congressional visitors would
therefore have to drive approximately 6 hours (each way),
along difficult roads to reach relief sites. Ensuring that
Congressional delegations have proper food, water, and
transportation as they tour disaster areas will also pose a
logistical challenge.

MULFORD