US President Speaks to Indian PM on War Against Afghanistan

US President George W Bush on Sunday spoke to Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee over phone to inform the latter about American military operations against Afghanistan, the Press Trust of India (PTI) reported in an overnight report here.

Bush phoned Vajpayee at around 5:30 p.m. on Sunday and told him that US would be commencing its operation shortwhile from now, the PTI quoted official sources as saying.

The US President told the Indian Prime Minister in very clear terms that Washington is concerned about terrorism in all parts of the world and not in a particular region, the PTI said.

"Terrorism is terrorism," Bush was quoted as saying. He also noted that US Secretary of State Colin Powell would be visiting India in the third week of this month.

Vajpayee thanked Bush for his call, the sources added.

India Supports US Action

India on Sunday said it supported US action against Afghanistan as President George W Bush announced the launch of attacks as part of its war on terrorism.

"India at the outset had expressed its strong solidarity and support for action contemplated by US," Nirupama Rao, foreign ministry spokesperson said.






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