HOLBROOKE-MULLEN VISIT TO INDIA: INDIA LIKES

C O N F I D E N T I A L NEW DELHI 000748 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/09/2019 TAGS: PREL PGOV PTER MOPS PK IN SUBJECT: HOLBROOKE-MULLEN VISIT TO INDIA: INDIA LIKES AF-PAK STRATEGY Classified By: Charge d'Affaires Peter Burleigh for Reasons 1.4 (B and D) ¶1. (C) During their several high level meetings in Delhi April 8, Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen were told that India liked the U.S. strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan thus far outlined -- and felt the U.S. was "on the right track." Several times in the course of the day, Indian interlocutors agreed that U.S.)Indian consultations and, where possible, coordination and cooperation were the next steps. Particularly emphasizing rural development, including agriculture, the Indians suggested they had extensive expertise based in their own experiences to share with Afghanistan and the international effort there. Holbrooke welcomed and encouraged the Indian offer and specifically cited the helpful role being played by India's Ambassador in Kabul, Jayant Prasad. ¶2. (C) In well-coordinated and upbeat meetings with Foreign Secretary Menon, Ambassador S.K. Lambah (the Prime Minister's Special Representative for Afghanistan),and National Secretary Advisor Narayanan, Holbrooke and Mullen were told that President Obama's speech and the strategy proposals were "welcome and timely." ¶3. (C) On specifics, Indians confirmed that Menon will participate in the next round of trilateral consultations May 5-6 in Washington and that India will also attend the Support Group meeting in Tokyo May 17-18. With regard to the proposed International Contact Group for the region, the Indians promised to accelerate internal GOI assessments, clear India's participation with Prime Minister Singh, and be back in touch. ¶4. (C) Ambassador Holbrooke cleared this message. BURLEIGH