US embassy cable - 04NEWDELHI7754

C O N F I D E N T I A L NEW DELHI 007754 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR UNDERSECRETARY GROSSMAN, AC AND SA/RA, DOD FOR 
DTSA AND OSD OFFICE OF MISSILE DEFENSE POLICY 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/15/2014 
TAGS: PREL, MASS, IN, Missile Defense 
SUBJECT: INDIA REQUESTS PATRIOT PAC-2 CLASSIFIED BRIEFING 
 
REF: STATE 260824 
 
Classified By: DCM Robert O. Blake, Reasons 1.4 (B,D). 
 
1. (C) Following up discussion at the recent US-India 
Strategic Stability Dialogue (reftel), the GOI has conveyed a 
December 8 letter (full text para 2) from Foreign Secretary 
Saran to Undersecretary Grossman formally requesting a 
classified briefing on the Patriot PAC-2 missile system.  The 
decision to move ahead on this initiative was clearly timed 
with a view to the impending visit of SECDEF Rumsfeld. 
However, it also reflects a prolonged debate within the 
Congress government over missile defense policy, and the GOI 
conclusion that deeper US-India collaboration in this area 
would help to strengthen our new partnership and would 
advance India's broader security interests.  Against this 
background, mission requests DTSA assistance in scheduling a 
classified briefing as early as possible in 2005. 
 
2. (U) Begin text GOI letter: 
 
Dear Mr. Undersecretary, 
 
I refer to your letter dated October 1, 2004 offering India 
the opportunity to purchase Patriot Advanced Capability-2 
(PAC-2) missile defense capability as part of the reciprocal 
steps contemplated in Phase 1 of the Next Steps in Strategic 
Partnership. 
 
In order to evaluate the proposal, concerned Indian experts 
would be interested in receiving a classified briefing on the 
PAC-2.  An early US Government response in that regard would 
allow the ongoing strategic dialogue and NSSP-II discussions 
to proceed forward. 
 
With assurances of the highest consideration. 
 
Shyam Saran 
MULFORD