MEDIA REACTION: PM'S VISIT TO U.S., AF-PAK

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 NEW DELHI 002360 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: PM'S VISIT TO U.S., AF-PAK POLICY, 26/11 MUMBAI TERROR ATTACKS; 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. -------------- PM'S VISIT TO U.S. -------------- ¶1. "LESSONS OF MUMBAI ATTACKS," op-ed in November 22 Hindi daily DAINIK JAGRAN: "India's campaign to create diplomatic pressure on Pakistan for bringing the perpetrators of the Mumbai attacks to justice seems to be unsuccessful. And the U.S.' unreasonable softness towards Pakistan in this context is painful. India should clarify to the U.S. that Pakistan-originated terrorism still poses a danger to it. Obama's recent statement during his China visit on the India-Pakistan conflict shows that despite calling India its close friend the U.S. administration is extremely sensitive about China and Pakistan's interests. Lets us see if PM Singh raises this issue in his meeting with Obama or not? India will have to deal with this challenge on its own." ¶2. "U.S.-CHINA EQUATION," analysis in November 22 Hindi daily DAINIK JAGRAN: "After a history of enmity the U.S. and China have become allies. The U.S. has its vested interest in China and so does the latter. If India is to choose between the U.S. and China, the choice is clear -- the U.S. In the international order India may be much below China, but it is still in a position to affect the future international scenario. And it can only happen when the U.S. and India take the right decision. And this is the objective of the Manmohan Singh-Obama talks." -------------- AF-PAK POLICY -------------- ¶3. "AFGHANISTAN'S MAYHEM," op-ed in November 21 centrist Marathi daily, SAKAAL: "India is at the receiving end of the unclear Af-Pak policy of the U.S. The U.S. has no distinct exit strategy in Afghanistan. It does not know what to do with the growing insurgency in Afghanistan, and also Pakistan. For the last eight years, the U.S. is shooting in the dark. Since it needs Pakistan in this anti-Taliban war, it is but natural that Pakistan is taking advantage of the situation to serve its anti-India agenda" -------------- 26/11 MUMBAI TERROR ATTACKS -------------- ¶4. "AFTER ONE YEAR," op-ed article in November 23 centrist Marathi daily, SAKAAL: "Even after a year has passed since the Mumbai terror attacks in 2009, Mumbai remains a highly vulnerable city. It continues to be a safe haven for the terrorists who can enter freely and NEW DELHI 00002360 002 OF 002 operate their underground networks. Even as these dreaded networks plan further attacks, the Mumbai police tackle with issues like missing bulletproof jackets." WHITE