Vajpayee, Putin to deliberate on terrorism

By P. S. Suryanarayana

SAINT PETERSBURG, NOV. 4 The Prime Minister, Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee, arrived in this historic Russian city today to begin a three-nation diplomatic voyage for a new strategic vision that might harmonise India's foreign policy with the changing dynamics of the ongoing international `campaign' against terrorism.

The chill Arctic winds that greeted the Prime Minister as he alighted at the picturesque airport at twilight matched the sombre mood of the Indian effort. But the warmth with which he was received by the local dignitaries exuded the spirit of the ``strategic partnership'' that India and Russia had agreed to fashion when the Russian President, Mr. Vladimir Putin, visited India over a year ago.

Mr. Vajpayee will leave for Moscow tomorrow for talks with Mr. Putin there the following day. The Prime Minister's other destinations during the current visit are the U.S. and the U.K. Diplomats continue to discount the possibility of even a `chance meeting' between Mr. Vajpayee and Pakistan's President, Gen. Pervez Musharraf, during their almost concurrent presence in New York in the next few days.

While in Russia, Mr. Vajpayee's primary objective is to draw upon the spirit of ``strategic partnership'' to begin the apparent quest for a new strategic vision in India's foreign policy at this juncture. On the record, though, the official word about Mr. Vajpayee's agenda in Russia is that a major joint statement on international terrorism is expected to be outlined. In the current global context, Mr. Vajpayee and Mr. Putin may turn the spotlight on the importance of developing a comprehensive international convention against terrorism as also a convention to suppress nuclear terrorism.

The regional and international issues in focus will centre on the current American military operations in Afghanistan and the role and relevance of Pakistan as also the Central Asian republics in the fast-changing circumstances. At another strategic echelon, the emerging nuances in Russia's perceptions of the U.S.'s plans for a missile defence system, too, might figure.

The other agreements that India and Russia are trying to sketch out during this visit will cover a wide spectrum ranging from atomic energy and commerce to communications and academic contacts. Energy security, in addition to political-strategic issues will also be the centrepieces of other joint statements, according to the plans under way.

During his brief stay in Saint Petersburg, Mr. Vajpayee will interact with some key Indologists. He will also hold talks with the local Governor, Mr. Vladimir Yakovlev. The importance of this city to Russo-Indian ties will lend these talks some intensity. At present, three frigates are being built here for the Indian Navy, while one submarine was only recently refitted here. The modernisation of yet another submarine is also on. The annual trade that Saint Petersburg and its hinterland generate in relation to India is said to be $380 million.

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