The conversation had many historical references, harking back to the envoy's long career in the Indian Administrative Service. Chandra served the nation as its top civil servant in the early nineties, as Cabinet secretary, a few years before he was assigned the most important portfolio in Indian diplomacy, a tenure in Washington DC.

Even though some Indian Americans believe his low key style does not quite make the cut in the thrust and parry world of American television, Chandra -- whose elder brother, former spymaster Girish Chandra Saxena is the Jammu and Kashmir governor -- is seen as one of the architects of the Indo-US detente.

In this hour-long interview with rediff.com editor Nikhil Lakshman, which we carry in three parts in Real Audio, the ambassador discusses among other things how India finally won over America, the fallout of President Clinton's recent visit and whether New Delhi cut a deal with Washington over Kashmir.

    There is a perception both in India and the US that the euphoria about a new era in Indo-US relations is misplaced, that it is too early to predict which way the winds will blow, to judge if President Clinton's visit will eventually result in a better relationship between India and the United States. What is your own perception?
  The ambassador's response

   So you don't believe these changes can be halted by a new administration in Washington or another government in New Delhi?
 The ambassador's response

   What was the turning point in forging a new relationship?
 The ambassador's response

    All these factors, ambassador, existed before. What were the strategic reasons for the US to mould the new relationship with India, apart from the fact that India is a big market?
 The ambassador's response

    So there were no strategic compulsions; for instance, the threat of Islamic terrorism?
 The ambassador's response

   Exactly two years ago, after the nuclear tests, India was in diplomatic Siberia, where the US was concerned. The Clinton visit and the subsequent euphoria is a tremendous achievement for the Indian embassy in Washington, yourself and the ministry of external affairs. How did you achieve this coup?
The ambassador's response

   Was it difficult to convince and overcome the pro-Pakistan elements at the State Department and the CIA?
  The ambassador's response

Part II of the Interview | Part III of the Interview