Ron and the Indians

In her 45 minute meeting with Reagan, Indira reiterated India8217;s opposition to the proposed sale of F16s to Pakistan. Reagan listened politely and justified the sale from the American perspective. Indira Gandhi emphasised that arming Pakistan with sophisticated weapons was bound to aggravate tension in the region.

8226; On October 31, Reagan got a call at midnight, informing him of Indira Gandhi8217;s assasination. In his condolence message to Rajiv, he said 8216;8216;Indira Gandhi as prime minister of the world8217;s largest democracy understood the importance of freedom as she sought to ensure a better life for all India.8217;8217;

June 12, 1985, Washington
8226; In a welcome ceremony at the White House, Reagan called Rajiv Gandhi8217;s visit 8216;8216;a continuation of that process of mutual discovery.8217;8217; Rajiv Gandhi inaugurated the Festival of India in the US.

Reagan said: 8216;8216;Our countries have areas of disagreement, yet these are opportunities to prove our mutual good will by discussing our differences forthrightly8230;our fundamental areas of agreement far outweigh the differences of the moment.8217;8217;