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Jaswant breaks protocol to welcome Clinton

Amberish K Diwanji in New Delhi

External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh's presence at Palam airport on Sunday evening to receive President Bill Clinton, when the duty could have been performed by his deputy Ajit Kumar Panja, indicates the importance the Vajpayee government attaches to the visit.

Initially, ministry of external affairs officials had indicated that Panja would receive the US president. The decision to send Singh was taken only two days ago.

"It is not unprecedented for an external affairs minister to receive a head of State," the MEA spokesman declared on Sunday after announcing that Singh would receive Clinton.

As per the Geneva Convention, which governs matters of protocol, a visiting head of State or government should be received by a vice-minister (minister of state in India) or higher.

However, if a ceremonial reception were to be held at the airport for the visiting dignitary, then a more senior representative needs to be present.

Diplomatic sources say Singh was sent as a signal to the US that India attaches considerable importance to the visit.

"It is a very clear message we wish to convey to our American counterparts as the trip begins," MEA sources said.

While India laid out the red carpet for Clinton, it has also expressed displeasure at his decision to visit Pakistan and his country's refusal to accept India as a nuclear power.

Hours before Clinton touched down, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, at a rally organised at his home, made it clear that India would not succumb to pressure vis-à-vis its security.

Diplomatic observers point out that while talking tough, the government is also sending out positive signals to the Clinton administration.

"We are telling the US president your visit is very important to us, but we are also going to stay firm on certain issues," observers said.

CLINTON VISITS INDIA :The complete coverage

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