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Josy Joseph in New Delhi
British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw and United States Secretary of State Colin Powell would be visiting India this week to meet a 'more defiant, and assertive Indian leadership'.
The visits would be part of the renewed efforts by the United Kingdom and the US to bring down tensions in South Asia, after India put on hold further de-escalatory measures in response to General Pervez Musharraf's claim that he has made no commitment to permanently end cross-border infiltration.
According to sources, Straw would be arriving in New Delhi on July 19, while Powell would be reaching New Delhi by the end of the month.
Ministry of External Affairs officials said that both the dignitaries are expected to visit Islamabad as well. However, the itineraries of the visitors are yet to be worked out.
MEA sources insist that India would take a 'tough line' that has not been visible all through the stand-off with Pakistan.
"We took some steps in response to the assurances by the US and UK that Musharraf has assured in concrete terms to end infiltration," a senior diplomat said.
"However, he has backtracked, dishonouring his commitment," the official said.
In an interview to Newsweek last month, Musharraf said he has not given any commitment to end infiltration forever.
But before his interview, at the height of American efforts to bring down tensions, US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage conveyed to Indian leadership Musharraf's 'commitment' to end infiltration and dismantle terrorist facilities.
In response India lifted ban on Pakistani commercial aircraft flying overhead India and withdrawal of over 20 of navy's warships from their forward positions in the Arabian Sea.
However, with Musharraf backtracking on his 'commitment' and infiltration again picking up along the border, the Indian government decided to put on hold further de-escalatory measures it had contemplated.
Among the next moves were a redeployment of strike elements to a more defensive posture, withdrawal of Indian Air Force fighters that were rushed to forward bases from rest of the country, and appointment of a new high commissioner to Pakistan.
"We want to see results on the ground," the MEA officer said, when asked what would be India's conditions before Straw and Powell, when they demand further de-escalation.
India is expected to tell the US and UK that their ability to get General Musharraf to end infiltration is 'now doubtful' and that the 'general is pushing us to the brink'.
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