US embassy cable - 05NEWDELHI922

C O N F I D E N T I A L NEW DELHI 000922 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/27/2015 
TAGS: PREL, EAID, MASS, NP, IN, RS, India-Nepal 
SUBJECT: INDIA SUSPENDS MILITARY PIPELINE TO NEPAL, WORRIES 
ABOUT RUSSIA/CHINA STEPPING IN 
 
REF: NEW DELHI 20680 
 
Classified By: PolCouns Geoffrey Pyatt for Reasons 1.4 (B, D) 
 
1. (C) With NSA Narayanan unavailable until February 7, the 
Ambassador used a February 4 meeting with Foreign Secretary 
Saran to convey reftel points detailing our goals and 
strategy in Nepal.  He also addressed these issues in broad 
brush during a pull aside with Foreign Minister Natwar Singh. 
 Saran was grateful for the US approach, stating again his 
appreciation for the fact that Washington and New Delhi have 
stayed in synch since the crisis broke.  Speaking in 
confidence, Saran described several new steps the GOI has 
taken to signal displeasure with the King's action, including 
suspension of military "supplies in the pipeline," 
postponement of a planned visit to Kathmandu by Army chief 
J.J. Singh, and a review of military training activities 
(although students currently in India will not be sent back). 
 "We are trying to build pressure," the Foreign Secretary 
explained. 
 
2. (C) Saran was highly concerned that China or Russia would 
exploit this opportunity to make up for any shortfall in 
military supplies from India, and sought US assistance to 
prevent that from happening.  He was particularly worried 
about reports that the RNA chief had contacted Russia to 
provide MI-17 helicopters.  "We just cannot accept that," 
Saran underlined, adding that the mere fact of the request 
was worrisome.  Saran was also concerned by rumors that 
President Musharraf was reaching out to the King, fearing 
that this too could be part of an effort to take advantage of 
India's firm policy in order to cultivate influence with the 
Palace.  The Ambassador noted that we have already weighed in 
with the Chinese, and promised to convey the Foreign 
Secretary's worries about other players. 
 
SIPDIS 
 
3. (C) Saran offered a brief update on reporting from the 
Indian team in Kathmandu, noting that the RNA has taken over 
patrols outside homes of detained politicians, and has 
confiscated cell phones from some.  He concluded by asking 
that the US weigh in with Moscow and use its contacts with 
the RNA to reinforce India's message to the Army that "they 
need to lay off." 
MULFORD