MEDIA REACTION: U.S.-INDIA RELATIONS, AF-PAK,

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 NEW DELHI 002179 SIPDIS STATE FOR NP, AC, PM STATE FOR INR/MR STATE FOR SCA/INS, PM/CBM, PM/PRO STATE FOR SCA/PPD, PA/RRU STATE FOR AID/APRE-A USDOC FOR 4530/IEP/ANESA/OSA FOR BILL MURPHY E.O. 12958:N/A TAGS: KMDR KPAO PGOV PREL IN SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION: U.S.-INDIA RELATIONS, AF-PAK, SINO-INDIA RELATIONS, IRAQ, CLIMATE CHANGE; NEW DELHI. This countrywide cable reports on relevant media reaction/opinion from India's large non-English press. The Mission reports on English-language media via email through the daily "Early Edition" summary. -------------- U.S.-INDIA RELATIONS -------------- ¶1. "PART OF THE FAMILY," editorial in October 27 right- of-center Gujarati daily, GUJARAT SAMACHAR: "U.S. President Barack Obama's saying that he considers the Indian Prime minister a part of his family is a great honor. This shows how strong the bilateral relations between the two nations are. The reasons for such a distinct admiration might also be because India is faring well on the economic front and Prime Minister Singh has often called for an end to terrorism, especially in Pakistan, the epicenter. While President Obama's focus is Afghanistan, Pakistan has been trumpeting the Kashmir issue and has been misusing American aid advanced for the fight against terrorism." -------------- AF-PAK -------------- ¶2. "EXPLOSIVESTAN," editorial in October 27 right-of- center Gujarati daily, GUJARAT SAMACHAR: "Afghanistan and Pakistan have become world's tinder box. While explosions and bomb blasts have become the order of the day in both these nations, they are busy trading charges against each other and are baffling America, which is providing aid to these nations to establish peace. The Taliban is taking advantage of such a situation and is on the rampage." -------------- SINO-INDIA RELATIONS -------------- ¶3. "BEYOND MEETINGS," editorial in October 26 centrist, pro-Congress party Hindi daily, DAINIK HINDUSTAN: "The meeting between Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and Indian Prime Minister Singh provided much-needed relief from the volatile atmosphere. The true measure of the success of this meeting, however, will be China's stopping hostilities toward India. To gain China's support on strategic issues, India has to establish a multi-faceted relationship with China -- be it on climate change or trade. Only then will China see a reason to strategically go with India." ¶4. "CHINA ACTIVATED," op-ed in October 26 right-of- center Hindi daily, DAINIK JAGRAN: "China is anxiously watching the bonhomie between India and the U.S. Beijing is disturbed, and it will use its friends like Pakistan and Nepal to foment trouble in India. But Pakistan knows that if it tries tricks against India the U.S. will get upset. America wants Pakistan to give its full attention to the war against the Taliban. But NEW DELHI 00002179 002 OF 002 Pakistan's dilemma is that it has another master to please. Beijing! To keep Beijing in good humor, Pakistan's spy agency ISI may trigger terror activities in India. China will try to destabilize India." ¶5. "FIRM STATEMENT NEEDED," editorial in October 27 independent Bengali ANANDABAZAR PATRIKA: "India will have to draw international attention to the way China continues cross-border infiltration despite talking about mutual cooperation. The task is difficult as well as risky, but there is no alternative." -------------- IRAQ -------------- ¶6. "MASSACRE IN BAGHDAD," editorial in October 27 right-of-center Urdu daily HAMARA SAMAJ: "It is difficult to ascertain who is behind the dreaded bomb blasts in war-torn Iraq, but nobody can justify killing of hundreds of innocent people just to create an atmosphere of civil unrest and destabilize the country. It is alarming that the world community is silent over the barbaric killing of oppressed people, and how long it will remain as mute spectator allowing tyrants to kill helpless Iraqi people. The world community, the flag bearers of peace and humanity, should wake up and put the murderers of humanity on the stocks." -------------- CLIMATE CHANGE -------------- ¶7. "DESTINATION COPENHAGEN: LETS ALL WAKE UP," op-ed in October 27 left-of-center Marathi daily, MAHARASHTRA TIMES: "As world leaders get together in Copenhagen this December, all countries are expected to take their share of the responsibility to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It is a fact that rich countries like the U.S. have so far evaded specific commitments in climate control agreements like the Kyoto Protocol. The emerging economies are not right in choosing a high- carbon path in the name of economic growth. Saving the planet from disaster is a collective responsibility." ROEMER