Diplomatically, yours
The frontpage article ‘Undiplomatically Yours’ (Dec 1) is inaccurate and unjustified. Let us review the facts. During Nov 27-29, former ambassador Wisner led to New Delhi the largest delegation of American business leaders seen in this city in many years. The group included a representative cross-section of American companies with substantial commitments in India. They came to make a strong statement of support for developing economic and commercial ties with India.

It is a poor assessment to describe the members of the delegation, which included top corporate leaders of companies such as American Express, AOL Time Warner, The Chubb Corporation, Dyncorp, and Unocal, as “non-descript.” These top-level corporate executives are the responsible parties for investment decisions.
Your reporter’s characterisation of disrespect is also inaccurate. We requested appointments with several senior officials, and our delegation was met with great courtesy by the government of India and by CII and FICCI. Several ministers and senior officials, and our industry hosts at CII and FICCI, gave generously their time and hospitality. As a result, our group had a special opportunity to discuss a variety of issues in detail and came away persuaded of what government and industry are doing to reinvigorate the Indian economy.
As any reasonable person would recognise, it is difficult when Parliament is in session to set and to keep schedules. Meetings with key ministers were rescheduled several times, shifted from one day to another, and in two very important cases, confirmation was only received after the mission was completed. Mr Wisner was already en route to Mumbai when we were informed that the meetings with ministers Advani and Sinha were confirmed. Fortunately, several members of the delegation, including the chairman and CEO of The Chubb Corporation, were able to join these meetings, and were rewarded with a special opportunity to meet with two of India’s more respected government leaders.
In the case of our meeting with minister Naik, it happened that a preceding meeting with minister Maran started late and continued longer than expected — again matters beyond the control of the group. Apologies and regrets were extended to the petroleum minister. We were disappointed not to have more time with him.
Your report of the meeting between minister Maran and the delegation is factually incorrect and mischaracterises the tenor and spirit of the meeting. No one lectured the minister. Rather, there was a most useful discussion of areas where the governments of the United States and India share common interests and can work to support each other in the negotiations post-Doha.
In these challenging economic times, it is vitally important that we maintain strong lines of communications with India’s business and government leadership. Our visit provided an ample demonstration of the commitment that both sides have to moving forward. We are extremely grateful for the candour with which we were met, and we look forward to continuing our work advocating stronger Indo-US ties in Washington and in boardrooms across the US.
— Michael T Clark, Executive Director, US-India Business Council