Date:11/05/2003 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2003/05/11/stories/2003051103890100.htm

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Bush supports PM's initiative

By Sridhar Krishnaswami

WASHINGTON MAY 10. In what is being held out as yet another proof of the deepening of the relations with India, the United States President, George W. Bush, met India's National Security Adviser, Brajesh Mishra, at the White House on Thursday.

During the brief meeting, Mr. Bush is said to have been supportive of the recent steps taken by the Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, in the context of the relations with Pakistan. Mr. Bush also expressed interest in the ongoing dialogue between the two countries and the deepening of the friendship.

It is being pointed out here that Mr. Bush did not "drop by" the meeting between Mr. Mishra and his counterpart, Condoleezza Rice. Rather, Mr. Mishra was "taken" to the Oval Office to see the President.

"I conveyed the greetings of the Prime Minister to President Bush and reminded him of the invitation that is pending...

"He did say some supportive things of the initiatives taken by the Prime Minister," Mr. Mishra told presspersons at the Embassy of India on Friday evening.

"He said he would love to visit India," Mr. Mishra said, adding that the timing of this would have to be worked out.

"He (Mr. Bush) expressed an interest in the continuation of the dialogue which has been going on between India and the U.S. and the deepening of the friendship between our two countries," Mr. Mishra said.