Indian prime minister praises improvement in relations

WASHINGTON - President Clinton expressed hope Saturday that the United States and India can ''turn back what could otherwise be a dangerous tide'' of weapons proliferation, and Washington can help bring peace in South Asia.

Standing beside Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Clinton told reporters after a ceremony where the two leaders dedicated a statue of Indian independence leader Mohandas K. Gandhi that he hopes the countries ''will be better economic partners, better political partners.''

Vajpayee, who spoke before Congress and met with Clinton at the White House this week, remained silent as Clinton spoke of the nuclear proliferation peril.

Vajpayee ordered tests in May 1998, and Pakistan followed with tests of its own. This year, Clinton described the subcontinent as perhaps the ''most dangerous place'' in the world, but he refrained from such comments during Vajpayee's visit.

''I hope we will both be able to help to turn back what could otherwise be a dangerous tide of proliferation and dangerous weapons - not just nuclear warheads or missiles, either - chemical weapons, biological weapons,'' Clinton told reporters.

''I hope someday there will be some constructive role we can play as a partner working with India and others to bring peace to the subcontinent,'' he said.

India has said it would not stand in the way of the treaty's implementation, indicating that once major powers such as the United States and China ratify it, India will be prepared to follow.

In the meantime, India has pledged to maintain a moratorium on nuclear testing.

During the ceremony Saturday at a park outside the Indian Embassy, Clinton and Vajpayee sprinkled red rose petals at the front of the almost 9-foot-high statue, which shows Mahatma Gandhi in a pose leaning against a staff.

The 75-year-old prime minister, assisted by Clinton because of a bad left knee that will be replaced, called the dedication ''one of the finest moments'' in U.S.-Indian relations.

Clinton, asked about the visit, which includes a gala White House dinner Sunday night, said, ''I think it's been a great success. It sort of rounds out our efforts to make a different turn in our relationship.''

Earlier, Vajpayee praised the progress in relations, agreeing on more cooperative programs, particularly economic deals, but still refusing to budge on nuclear issues.

The White House meeting Friday reflected ''the considerable progress made between the two countries even within six months,'' Vajpayee said. In March, Clinton visited India and laid the groundwork for the White House session.

The prime minister met with U.S. and Indian business leaders Friday night and discussed recent and planned changes in Indian regulations to privatize state utilities and other industries. He was there to woo foreign investment to help India gain the high-tech infrastructure it needs to expand its economy.

At the same time, he expressed awe at U.S. economic power. ''The continued U.S. prosperity is almost a miracle,'' he said, adding that it has ''inspired India.''

Agreements were announced on enhancing cooperation on such issues as trade, investment, counterterrorism, counterdrug issues, energy and the environment, among others.

Disagreements over nuclear issues remained, but as the day unfolded a strong sense emerged of a new comfort level between the two countries and a perception that problems can be dealt with in a trusting atmosphere.

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On the Net: State Department background on India: http://www.state.gov/www/regions/sa/index.html

Embassy of India: http://www.indianembassy.org

Prime Minister's Office of India: http://pmindia.nic.in