Shared all information on Headley with India: Robert Blake

NEW DELHI - US Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia, Robert Blake, who is in Delhi to finalise the agenda for US President Barack Obama’s November visit to India, said today ‘all the information they had regarding David Headley was shared with India.’

Talking to reporters here, Blake said: “Whenever the United State has had any specific information, it has been shared with India.

“I would want to reassure all of you that whenever we had any specific information on any chance of attack wherever in the world, particularly against our friends like India, we shared that information on a real time basis right away,” he added.

He further said that USA attached so much importance to its relationship with India that nothing was kept away from their “friend”.

Blake was responding to a question on External Affairs Minister S M Krishna’s earlier remark that India was not informed about Headley specifically prior to Mumbai terror attacks.

Replying a question on Pakistan, Blake said: “Pakistan is the most important country in the war on terror” and its help is very important for success in Afghanistan.

“Without Pakistan’s help, the coalition cannot succeed in Afghanistan. India should not be worried about misuse by Pakistan of American arms,” he added.

Blake also spoke about President Obama’s visit to India and called it an historic tour.

“President Obama will not be battered and bruised when he comes to India. He has much to be proud of since he became President. He sees India visit as historic. He is deeply committed to India’s strategic rise,” said Blake.

Emphasizing that the two nations could help build new business and employment prospects, Blake said: ” We are particularly excited about the economic promise of our relations. We think that a lot of cooperation that we are now undertaking will help to expand markets in both of our countries.”

He also said that the United States has been contributing in modernising India’s agricultural sector through cold and supply chains, markets and health opportunities.

When asked if President Obama would visit Amritsar, Blake said: “White House will announce the schedule.”

On the question of support for India’s bid for a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council, Blake said,” US wants to build on the Bush legacy and take this partnership to the next level. (ANI)