US embassy cable - 04NEWDELHI7853

UNCLAS NEW DELHI 007853 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: ASEC, IN, GOI 
SUBJECT: INDIA TAKES STEP TOWARDS JOINING CSI 
 
 
1.  This is an action cable.  See paragraph 4. 
 
2.  In a welcome surprise, the GOI passed us a December 8 
letter from Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran indicating movement 
towards joining the Container Security Initiative.  MEA Joint 
Secretary Jaishankar (United States and Canada) told the DCM 
 
SIPDIS 
the GOI has selected Mumbai's principal port to be the pilot 
project for India's participation in CSI.  He also said he is 
prepared to lead an interagency team to Washington in January 
to discuss a way forward.  Our Customs Attache has faxed a 
copy of the letter to the Commissioner. 
 
3.   Begin GOI Text: 
 
Excellency, 
 
I have the honour to convey the Government of India's 
interest in discussing with the US Government the possibility 
of participation in the Container Security Initiative.  On 
the Indian side, the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust has been 
identified for a pilot project in this regard.  An official 
team from India is prepared to visit the United States for 
further discussions on the proposal at your convenience. 
Your assistance in advancing this process would be 
appreciated. 
 
With assurances of highest consideration. 
 
/s/ 
Shyam Saran 
 
End text. 
 
4.   Mission would appreciate feedback soonest from State and 
Customs on the GOI's suggestion to send a team to Washington 
in January. 
MULFORD