AMBASSADOR VISITS PARLIAMENT, CALLS ON SPEAKER

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 NEW DELHI 002544 SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR SCA/INS E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/17/2019 TAGS: ASEC IN PGOV PREL KDEM PINR SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR VISITS PARLIAMENT, CALLS ON SPEAKER REF: A. NEW DELHI 2516 ¶B. NEW DELHI 2457 ¶C. NEW DELHI 2354 ¶D. NEW DELHI 1486 Classified By: A/POLCOUNS Les Viguerie for Reasons 1.4 (B, D) ¶1. (SBU) SUMMARY: In a December 16 meeting with the Ambassador, Lok Sabha (lower house of Parliament) Speaker Meira Kumar expressed an interest in meeting Speaker Pelosi in the United States. Kumar wants to increase exchanges between Indian and United States legislators. The Ambassador and Speaker also discussed collaborating on cook stoves, women's empowerment, and children's welfare initiatives. In response to the Ambassador's inquiries regarding the passage of civil nuclear liability legislation during this session of Parliament, the Speaker assured the Ambassador that her government "was at it" and understood the significance of the legislation. The Ambassador also paid his respects to the security personnel who died during the December 13, 2001, Parliament attack and observed Rajya Sabha proceedings from the diplomatic gallery. END SUMMARY Af-Pak Strategy -------------- ¶2. (SBU) The Ambassador led off the December 16 meeting with Lok Sabha (lower house of Parliament) Speaker Meira Kumar by briefing the Speaker on the President's Af-Pak strategy and on Prime Minister Singh's November visit to Washington D.C. Kumar, a former Indian diplomat, expressed her appreciation for President Obama's consultations with PM Singh prior to announcing his Af-Pak strategy. The Ambassador refuted media reports that interpreted the July 2011 date as a final withdrawal deadline for all U.S. forces and assistance to the region. The Speaker stressed the need for economic assistance and infrastructure development in Afghanistan as essential ingredients for long-term stability. She underscored the important role India plays in Afghanistan and its deep concern with stability in the neighborhood. "Shoulder to Shoulder" on Joint Counter-terrorism Initiatives -------------- ¶3. (SBU) The Speaker said she was very touched by the Ambassador's decision to pay his respects to the security personnel who died during the December 13, 2001, terrorist attack on the Indian Parliament. The Ambassador briefed Kumar on the ongoing bilateral counter-terrorism cooperation initiatives. The Speaker expressed her appreciation for the growing partnership between the United States and India and the assistance the United States was providing on "ongoing terrorism investigations." Civ-Nuke Liability Legislation -------------- ¶4. (C) The Ambassador inquired about the status of the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Bill in Parliament. Kumar responded that her government understands the importance the United States places on the passage of this legislation and that her "government was at it". Exchanging glances with MEA (Americas) Joint Secretary Gaitri Kumar, she added that the winter session would end two days early, on December 21 instead of the its original end date of December 23. (COMMENT: The Cabinet approved the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Bill on November 19, paving the way for its introduction to Parliament. Minister of State of Information Technology and Communications Sachin Pilot, told the DCM during a private conversation at Roosevelt House on December 11 that the government would not introduce the bill during NEW DELHI 00002544 002 OF 002 this session. NSA Narayanan was privately more optimistic about the bills enactment this session in a telephone conversation with the Ambassador on December 16 (Ref A). In the end, the Lok Sabha recessed on December 18 without considering the legislation. END COMMENT) Praise for the Secretary's Focus on Development -------------- ¶5. (SBU) Commending the Secretary's focus on development and women's empowerment, Kumar discussed at length her own passion for women's development and child welfare. The Ambassador and the Speaker explored possible avenues of cooperation on women and child development issues. Kumar invited the Ambassador to visit the Parliament museum and children's corner with his family. She also wants to do more to encourage children and students to understand politics. A Green Speaker -------------- ¶6. (SBU) The Speaker confided that she had a "soft spot" for green initiatives. She recalled her discussion with Minister for Renewable Energy Dr. Farooq Abdullah and Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal on the possibility of powering the entire Parliament facility with solar and wind energy. President Obama's Fan Following -------------- ¶7. (SBU) Pointing to President Obama's "huge fan following" in India, Kumar observed that the Presidential election had heightened the perception of "America's social consciousness". She also expressed her admiration for First Lady Michelle Obama, while glancing at the book on the first family that the Ambassador had brought as a gift. She hoped that the Obama children would have a chance to visit India this summer. Increasing Parliamentary Exchanges -------------- ¶8. (SBU) Speaker Kumar raised the possibility of visiting the United States to meet with Speaker Pelosi, whom she has met once before in Rome. She agreed with the Ambassador that increasing visits and exchanges between Indian and U.S. legislators would be beneficial for both sides in enhancing mutual trust and understanding. The Speaker said that the last Lok Sabha's robust exchange program with the United States was taking time to revive in this Parliament. ROEMER