Powell expected on October 15

By Atul Aneja

NEW DELHI, OCT. 12. The U.S. Secretary of State, Gen. Colin Powell, is expected to arrive here on Monday, October 15 as part of his visit to the subcontinent.

As of now, Gen. Powell may reach here on Monday night after completing a working visit to Pakistan, Government sources here said. The next day he may meet Mr. Jaswant Singh and the Prime Minister, Mr. A.B. Vajpayee. Sources said, India had already been informed by Washington that Gen. Powell might announce a sizeable financial package of over $400 million for Pakistan during his stay in Islamabad.

The core purpose of Gen. Powell's visit to India and Pakistan is to ensure the unity of the U.S.-led coalition against terrorism.

India, during Gen. Powell's visit, is expected to focus on three issues. First, it is likely to convey to the visiting leader that it has no intention to exacerbate tensions in Kashmir. Second, Pakistan should accept a broad-based dialogue with India and not remain fixated on Kashmir. Afghanistan is another area of concern. Given its stakes in Afghanistan, India would like to remain fully involved in the process of transition which will result in a democratic and peaceful Afghanistan.

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