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India steps up diplomatic offensive to contain fallout

India today redoubled its efforts to contain the global fallout of the nuclear tests, by undertaking an exercise to summon heads of all diplomatic missions, except Pakistan, and brief them on the reasons which forced it to take the step.

Official sources today said the process was set in motion last night. The heads of missions were being given a ''comprehensive briefing'' by Foreign Secretary K Raghunath and other secretaries in the external affairs ministry on India's geo-political concerns, which forced it to conduct nuclear tests.

Asked if the Pakistani envoy would also be called as part of the exercise, the sources said Islamabad would be dealt with separately as part of India's desire to engage it in constructive dialogue. They made it clear that the nuclear tests were not aimed against anyone.

On whether the Chinese ambassador would be briefed, the sources said, ''It is not known at this stage... You would know it on Monday.''

The Indian government, responding swiftly to Western nations's harsh reaction to the nuclear tests, has also planned to write separate letters to different countries, explaining the reasons for the tests.

''Suitable communications would be sent at appropriate levels and at an appropriate time... The letters are being drafted,'' the sources said.

They explained that that the non-aligned countries would be an immediate target for India, keeping in mind the relationship New Delhi has enjoyed with member-countries. The NAM foreign ministers will meet in Cartagena later this week, prior to the NAM summit to be held in South Africa towards the end of the year.

Minister of State for External Affairs Vasundhara Raje will represent India at the meeting and explain to each individual member that the nuclear tests were not aimed against anyone. The tests were undertaken in response to India's perception of the geo-political threat. It would also be pointed out to the member countries that India had a history of responsible behaviour and it could not be expected to act irresponsibly.

UNI

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