New Delhi: In a bid to clear the air following US decision to designate Pakistan as a major non-NATO ally, Secretary of State Colin Powell spoke to External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha on Sunday (Mar 21, 2004) and said the intention was not to spring a surprise on India.

Powell had been trying to reach Sinha since March 19 but the Minister had not been able to receive the call since he was engaged in campaigning, External Affairs Ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna told reporters.

He was asked about a news report, which said Sinha had spoken to Powell who apologised for not keeping him informed about the US decision while he was in India.

"We have seen that report", Sarna said adding "It is not an accurate characterisation of the conversation that took place between the Minister and Secretary Powell."

During the telephonic conversation, Powell referred to the way in which the US announcement had emerged and said their intention was not to spring a surprise on India.

New Delhi had voiced disappointment over being kept in the dark on the US move during Powell's visit and said it has "significant implications" on Indo-US relations.

On remarks made by White House spokesman that the US was exploring the possibility of making India a non-NATO ally, he said, "We have not given any consideration to that kind of relationship with the US."