TFPK01: INDIA ANALYZING ITS NEEDS, ACKNOWLEDGES US

UNCLAS NEW DELHI 007880

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

STATE FOR TFPK01 AND SA; STATE PASS USAID FOR OFDA AND ANE

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AEMR ASEC KISL PREL PGOV EAID PBTS PK IN US
SUBJECT: TFPK01: INDIA ANALYZING ITS NEEDS, ACKNOWLEDGES US
OFFER OF ASSISTANCE

REF: STATE 187437


1. (U) Please see Action Request in Para 4 below.


2. (SBU) In a meeting October 10 with Indian Foreign
Secretary Shyam Saran (other topics reported septel),the

SIPDIS
Ambassador conveyed to India the condolences of the United
States for the loss of life and injuries sustained as a
result of the October 8 earthquake in Kashmir. The
Ambassador reiterated the USG's intention to donate $100,000
to relief efforts right away. He also reminded FS Saran of
the Secretary's offer of assistance and conveyed PACOM ADM
Fallon's offer of military relief assistance, if required.
Finally, he asked Saran not to hesitate to supply a list of
needed equipment and supplies.


3. (SBU) Saran thanked the Ambassador for the USG's offers of
assistance and said the GOI's Disaster Management Authority
was making an assessment of needs. Once that was done, and
if gaps were identified, the GOI would contact the USG. In
response to our query, Saran said the Pakistani government
had not yet accepted India's proffered assistance, but that
coordination between the two governments along the
Line-of-Control (LOC) was excellent in the wake of the
earthquake. Media here have noted that some affected
villages in Pakistani Kashmir may be more easily accessible
from the Indian side of the LOC.


4. (SBU) COMMENT AND ACTION REQUEST: We will keep after the
Indians for a more definite sense of their needs, but one
compelling area of concern is housing. Snow will start to
fall this month in higher reaches of Kashmir on both sides of
the LOC, and by late November and early December even
low-lying areas will be exposed to snow and freezing
conditions. In light of the widespread collapse of
structures on both sides of the LOC, aid targeted at helping
people secure suitable shelter will be an urgent priority.
ACTION REQUEST: We recommend that the USG consider offering
the GOI such materials. Such a step -- if publicized in
Kashmiri language broadcast and print media -- will also
remind citizens of Muslim-majority J&K state that the USG is
ready to play a humanitarian role in alleviating their
suffering. END COMMENT AND ACTION REQUEST.
Mulford