Don’t expect too much from Clinton visit, says Albright

Citing Kashmir and nuclear non-proliferation as "very serious concerns" for the US, Albright said she hoped Indian Government would find solutions to the same.

But she reiterated Washington’s resolve to have a strong relationship with "the world’s largest democracy".

"I believe, that the United States has made quite clear that having a relationship with the world’s largest democracy is important. But, obviously, we continue to have very serious concerns about the issues of non-proliferation and about the dealings on Kashmir, andhope very much that the Indian Government understands and continues, and will continue, to deal with these issues, because they are essential," Albright said.

Her surprise remarks came as a bolt from the blue because recent statements by officials like Assistant Secretary of State Karl Inderfurth had given the impression that the two democracies will indeed be turning a historic and positive new leaf in their relations, despite differences that may persist between the two countries.

Albright’s action in throwing cold water on expectations from Clinton’s much touted India visit came on the eve of crucial talks on terrorism between the US and Indian delegations which get underway today.

Asked whether she would be accompanying Clinton on the South Asia trip, Albright said: "I always like to travel with the President on very important missions, but we have to see what everybody’s schedule is at the time, and it is a trip that we have not made the final decision (on the composition of thedelegation)."

Clinton’s five-day visit to India, due to begin in New Delhi on March 20, is to be followed by a one-day trip to Bangladesh. Pakistan, at the moment, is absent from the itinerary, something about which the military government in Islamabad has been rather upset.