'Armitage visit chilled Indo-US ties'

Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage's visit to the Indian subcontinent has chilled Indo-US relations, according to an online think tank.

"Armitage signalled that the US is strengthening its bonds with Islamabad -- a key ally in the war against Al Qaeda -- rather than with New Delhi. As a result, India is likely to forge new alliances and reinforce old ones with countries like China, Russia and France," according to stratfor.com

Armitage had discussed the issue of Kashmir-based terrorist groups with Pakistani and Indian officials.

He received assurances from Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf that the government harbours no support for terrorists -- a statement he repeated to officials in New Delhi on May 10, the Web site said.

The statement, however, contradicts evidence gathered by the US military about the Pakistani Inter-Services Intelligence's involvement with terrorist groups and cross-border infiltrations.

Although Musharraf's government has differences with the ISI, New Delhi tends to ignore these completely and Washington often glosses over them, it said.

"By repeating Musharraf's statement to Indian officials, Armitage signalled that the US is drawing closer to Pakistan," the Web site noted.

In the long run the move likely will cost Washington a great deal of credibility in New Delhi, it said.

Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee is already planning a trip to Beijing in June.

Meanwhile, Indian cooperation with France and Russia also appears strong of late. Russia and India plan to conduct joint naval exercises later this month, and New Delhi is negotiating a $2.1 billion arms deal with Paris that involves submarines and fighter aircraft, the report noted.

By drawing closer to these three countries, India will gain greater leverage against the US in any mediation efforts over Kashmir or other strategic issues.

Russia, China and France all remain heavyweights within the United Nations, and their interests must factor in some degree to Washington's decision-making process.

Though India has had good relations with Russia and France in the past, it is the renewal of ties with China that is most significant, the Web site said.

The need for a new ally of this magnitude becomes particularly apparent as Washington strengthens its bonds with Islamabad.