India had received “very general, non-specific information'' on warnings and threats from the U.S. before the November 26, 2008 Mumbai attacks, Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao told reporters on Friday.
Ms. Rao was asked whether the U.S. withheld information from double agent David Headley's wives about his involvement with Pakistan-based militant groups and his frequent visits to the U.S., which later turned out to be reconnaissance missions of targets planned to be attacked by the Lashkar-e-Taiba.
To a question on the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) request to cancel the passport of the former Indian Premier League chief Lalit Modi, who is abroad, she said no response was received till date to a notice issued to him. “If there is no further response from Mr. Modi, action will be initiated.'
The Ministry of External Affairs received a request from the ED on October 5 to revoke Mr. Modi's passport in public interest as his financial dealings needed to be thoroughly investigated. The Ministry issued a show cause on October 13, asking him why action should not be initiated under the relevant sections of the Passport Act.
“As per the provisions of the Act, he will have 15 days to represent his case. On October 15, the Ministry was provided with his alternate address in Mumbai and the show cause served,'' Ms. Rao said.
Sanctions against Cuba
Asked if India would once again oppose the U.S. sanctions against Cuba when a vote is taken at the U.N. General Assembly next week for the 19th consecutive year, Ms. Rao pointed out that India consistently took the position that sanctions affected the ordinary people.
On all previous occasions, India had voted against the U.S. sanctions against Cuba. Last year, 187 countries voted to lift the sanctions and only three – the US. Israel and Marshall Island - had a different opinion.
