*EPF307 04/10/2002
Transcript: State's Rocca says US-India Cooperation Is Solid.
(Remarks to press in New Delhi April 10) (280)

Following is a transcript of the remarks that Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs Christina Rocca made to the press in New Delhi April 10:

(begin transcript)

US Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs Christian Rocca

OPENING REMARKS PRESS INTERACTION New Delhi, India April 10, 2002

I am pleased to have the opportunity to return so quickly to India to make up for the meetings which I missed in March. As you know, the reason for my abrupt departure was yet another terrible reminder that the war on terrorism is a primary focus for all members of the coalition.

While here, I have been able to discuss the latest developments in our efforts against terrorism and to hear India's viewpoints on our progress and on the way forward. I feel my meetings have been productive, and I'll be returning to Washington to report that US-India cooperation is solid.

I believe most of you know that I've met Minister Singh and other senior ministry officials. I was also able to speak with them of the general situation in South Asia including my recent visits to Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

I saw my visit described in some papers as "routine." I find that a positive sign. It should be a routine thing that the Assistant Secretary for South Asia visits India and the region on a regular basis to discuss items of mutual interest.

It is significant that today, our areas of our bilateral interest span the globe. This indeed is evidence of what Ambassador Blackwill describes as the "transformed US-India relationship."

(end transcript)

(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

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