INDIA SUSPENDS MILITARY PIPELINE TO NEPAL, WORRIES

C O N F I D E N T I A L NEW DELHI 000922

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/27/2015
TAGS: PREL EAID MASS NP IN RS
SUBJECT: INDIA SUSPENDS MILITARY PIPELINE TO NEPAL, WORRIES
ABOUT RUSSIA/CHINA STEPPING IN

REF: NEW DELHI 20680

Classified By: PolCouns Geoffrey Pyatt for Reasons 1.4 (B, D)


1. (C) With NSA Narayanan unavailable until February 7, the
Ambassador used a February 4 meeting with Foreign Secretary
Saran to convey reftel points detailing our goals and
strategy in Nepal. He also addressed these issues in broad
brush during a pull aside with Foreign Minister Natwar Singh.
Saran was grateful for the US approach, stating again his
appreciation for the fact that Washington and New Delhi have
stayed in synch since the crisis broke. Speaking in
confidence, Saran described several new steps the GOI has
taken to signal displeasure with the King's action, including
suspension of military "supplies in the pipeline,"
postponement of a planned visit to Kathmandu by Army chief
J.J. Singh, and a review of military training activities
(although students currently in India will not be sent back).
"We are trying to build pressure," the Foreign Secretary
explained.


2. (C) Saran was highly concerned that China or Russia would
exploit this opportunity to make up for any shortfall in
military supplies from India, and sought US assistance to
prevent that from happening. He was particularly worried
about reports that the RNA chief had contacted Russia to
provide MI-17 helicopters. "We just cannot accept that,"
Saran underlined, adding that the mere fact of the request
was worrisome. Saran was also concerned by rumors that
President Musharraf was reaching out to the King, fearing
that this too could be part of an effort to take advantage of
India's firm policy in order to cultivate influence with the
Palace. The Ambassador noted that we have already weighed in
with the Chinese, and promised to convey the Foreign
Secretary's worries about other players.

SIPDIS


3. (C) Saran offered a brief update on reporting from the
Indian team in Kathmandu, noting that the RNA has taken over
patrols outside homes of detained politicians, and has
confiscated cell phones from some. He concluded by asking
that the US weigh in with Moscow and use its contacts with
the RNA to reinforce India's message to the Army that "they
need to lay off."
MULFORD