Saturday, January 22 2005 15:11 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Jaipur: India has said that it is hopeful that the United States would "keep in mind" its concerns while supplying sophisticated arms to Pakistan as these could be used against it rather than for fighting terrorism.

"India had raised the issue of supply of weaponry to Pakistan because we apprehend that they may not be used for fighting terrorism but against its neighbour," External Affairs Minister K Natwar Singh told reporters in Luni near Jaipur yesterday (Jan 21, 2005).

Expressing satisfaction over New Delhi's relations with Washington, he said, "Though the US has not taken any decision on the concerns raised by India, we hope that in view of friendly relations with us, America would certainly keep in mind our concerns."

About firing by Pakistani troops in border areas of Jammu and Kashmir, he said that India has lodged a protest with Islamabad and it has assured that it would inquire into the incident.

Singh was in Jaipur for electioneering ahead of the Assembly by-polls to be held on January 24.

Addressing an election meeting seeking votes for Congress nominee Malkhan Singh, he said the UPA (United Progressive Alliance) Government at the Centre would ensure that Rajasthan moves on the path of development.

For the first time three representatives from Rajasthan in Parliament had got berths in Union Ministry, which shows how serious the Manmohan Singh Government was with regard to development of the desert State, he said.