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Josy Joseph in New Delhi
John E McLaughlin, deputy director of the Central Intelligence Agency of the United States, held extensive talks on Monday with the top brass of India's external and internal intelligence agencies. Among the topics discussed were the possibility of Al Qaeda fighters regrouping in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and the Federally Administrated Tribal Agencies of Pakistan, their possible infiltration into the Kashmir valley, sharing of satellite intelligence and India's list of 20 most wanted terrorists.
Sources said McLaughlin also conveyed the American view that the continued military standoff between India and Pakistan holds the potential for war and there is an urgent need to begin talks and de-escalation.
McLaughlin had separate meetings with top officers of the Research and Analysis Wing and the Intelligence Bureau, including their respective chiefs, Vikram Sood and K P Singh. He is also expected to discuss the extensive intelligence inputs available with India on Al Qaeda and the information Indian agencies have on alleged terror mastermind Osama bin Laden.
The sudden visit of the CIA's number two man, sources said, was indicative of America's "growing trust" in Indian intelligence gathering, especially relating to Islamic terrorism. "The US agrees with our conclusion that a large number of Al Qaeda members, especially Arabs, are in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and could sneak into Jammu & Kashmir," a senior intelligence officer said.
The officer said large concentrations of Al Qaeda members in PoK were of equal concern to the US and India. While India will have to face the immediate impact of these groups infiltrating into Kashmir, "the US knows that ultimately they will prove costly for it".
In fact, during Monday's meetings, fears were expressed about the possibility of some Al Qaeda members having already entered Kashmir. "We have no concrete proof," the officer said, "but it is possible."
Reflecting this concern, the government issued a notification under the new Prevention of Terrorism Act terming Al Qaeda a terrorist organisation.
Sources said India and the US are also set to increase their cooperation in sharing intelligence gathered by satellite. Officials believe American satellites will be able to track movements along the Line of Control to give a proper assessment of infiltration into Kashmir.
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