US embassy cable - 05NEWDELHI36

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 NEW DELHI 000036 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SENSITIVE 
 
FROM THE AMBASSADOR 
H FOR SENATORS FRIST, MCCONNELL, DEWINE, COLEMAN, 
BROWNBACK, CORZINE, BINGAMAN, AND REPRESENTATIVES LEACH, 
FALEOMAVEAGO, AND SMITH 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: OREP, AMGT, ASEC, AFIN, TH, CE, IN, Tsunami Relief 
SUBJECT: GOI DISCOURAGES CODEL TRAVEL TO TSUNAMI-AFFECTED 
AREAS OF INDIA 
 
REF: CHENNAI 1718 
 
1.  (SBU) Summary: Responding to requests for US 
Congressional travel to tsunami-devastated areas of South 
India, Foreign Secretary Saran expressed gratitude on January 
3 for the many expressions of condolence and support, but 
asked that US Codels not/not travel to South India.  Saran, 
who is India's representative in the Tsunami Core Group, 
noted that PM Manmohan Singh chose not to visit the affected 
areas directly, opting instead for an overflight of the 
sites, on the grounds that VIP visits would hinder relief 
efforts.  The PM has also instructed all Ministers to avoid 
travel or overflights of the affected regions and to prohibit 
Indian VIP visits to the impacted areas.  On top of these GOI 
views, India has emphasized its determination to deal with 
the effects of the tsunami through its own resources and to 
lend its resources to its neighboring countries. 
Transportation to affected areas would also pose major 
difficulties. If we seek to arrange site visits, we may find 
an unwillingness on the part of Indian authorities to give 
clearance and support for foreign VIP visits.  Local press 
reports have strongly criticized "disaster tourism" by Indian 
government officials, and high-level visits from the US could 
generate similar headlines.  Should Congressional visitors 
decide to travel to South India, we would attempt to provide 
whatever support is required for a successful visit. But our 
best advice is to avoid such travel in deference to the 
strong views expressed by the Government of India's 
leadership.  End Summary. 
 
GOI Strongly Discourages VIP Travel to Tsunami Areas 
--------------------------------------------- ------- 
 
2.  (SBU) In a January 3 meeting with the Ambassador, Foreign 
Secretary Saran indicated that the PM had directed all 
 
SIPDIS 
Ministers and VIPs to avoid the tsunami-affected regions, and 
suggested that visiting US Codels receive an Indian 
military/interagency briefing on Indian relief activities in 
New Delhi, rather than traveling to Southern India.  Saran 
noted that every time a VIP visits the region, the local 
bureaucracy and security forces have to shift their focus 
from relief activities to visitor support.  He noted that VIP 
overflights would interrupt the airflow at a time when the 
Indian military is involved in intense operational 
activities.  In this context, he reiterated, India deeply 
appreciates the many expressions of condolence and support 
that it has received, but for now is asking that US 
Congressional visitors not/not travel to South India. 
 
3.  (SBU) On January 2, MEA Joint Secretary (Americas) 
Jaishankar offered a similar view, telling PolCouns that the 
GOI was "strongly discouraging" US Congressional travel to 
tsunami-damaged areas in India.  He noted that PM Manmohan 
 
SIPDIS 
Singh had only flown over devastated areas so as not to 
hinder relief efforts there.  Jaishankar noted that this was 
"non-discriminatory discouragement," as New Delhi is 
requesting that all VIP visitors, not just those from the US, 
forego travel to disaster areas.  A senior Congress Party MP 
also expressed GOI disapproval of VIP travel to the region, 
noting that such visits could fuel the growing political 
struggle between the UPA coalition at the Center and the 
NDA-affiliated government of Tamil Nadu (Reftel). 
 
India: We Can Handle This Ourselves 
----------------------------------- 
 
4.  (SBU) Through press reports and statements, the Indian 
government has emphasized its intention to deal with the 
effects of the tsunami through its own resources. 
Demonstrating this point, India has been providing relief aid 
to affected neighboring countries, including Sri Lanka and 
the Maldives, in addition to providing for its own 
population.  In so doing, the GOI has highlighted its role as 
an emerging global power, capable of meeting both its 
domestic needs and those of the region. 
 
Major Logistical Difficulties 
----------------------------- 
 
5.  (U) Codels Frist, Bingaman, Leach, and a possible Codel 
led by Senator Brownback, have all expressed an interest in 
touring disaster sites in South India.  Given the high number 
of proposed visitors, and the limited number of sites that 
have been affected, but are still reasonably accessible, the 
various Codels would probably visit the same areas multiple 
times.  This could provide a substantial drain on relief 
operations as government officials turn their attention to 
coordinating details of official US visits to the region. 
 
6.  (U) South Indian and military airfields are currently 
operating at over-capacity in an attempt to provide relief to 
the survivors.  As a result, the government of Tamil Nadu is 
discouraging all foreign aircraft from landing in the state. 
While it might be possible to arrange milair transport to 
Chennai, air travel to the tsunami-affected areas is 
currently unavailable.  Congressional visitors would 
therefore have to drive approximately 6 hours (each way), 
along difficult roads to reach relief sites.  Ensuring that 
Congressional delegations have proper food, water, and 
transportation as they tour disaster areas will also pose a 
logistical challenge. 
 
MULFORD