March 14, 2002

'33'

    India and the US have moved closer in their common objective to combat terrorism. India’s concerns on cross-border terrorism are now better appreciated by the US Administration. On bilateral issues also, the stance of US Administration is more supportive in meeting India’s security concerns. The two countries have also signed a General Agreement which is intended to ensure adequate security of such classified military information, as may be decided to be shared by each country.

    India and US agree that a strengthened Bilateral relationship will assist both the countries to combat threats such as the spread of weapons of mass destruction, international terrorism, narcotics trafficking and piracy.

    This information was given by the Defence Minister Shri George Fernandes in a written reply to Shri Sushil Kumar Shinde and others in Lok Sabha today.