Following is the written statement of External Affairs Minister Natwar Singh which was issued after his meeting with Secretary of State Colin Powell on June 10 at the U.S. State Department:

I have come to represent the Government of India on this sad occasion. The passing away of President Ronald Reagan has been widely mourned in India. President Reagan played an important role in strengthening Indo-U.S. relations. He and Mrs. Reagan received with great warmth Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi during her visit to Washington in 1982. Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Mrs. Sonia Gandhi counted the President and Mrs. Reagan among their friends. I personally had the honor of being received by President Reagan at the White House on two occasions and have always cherished that memory. In his passing away India has lost a steadfast friend, the United States an inspiring leader, the world an outstanding statesman.

My visit also comes at a time when India and United States are witnessing a period of close engagement in our bilateral relations. Our relations have expanded in scope and depth and my Government is determined to work closely with the U.S. Administration to take this partnership forward in all areas. Both our countries have clear commonalities in shaping a democratic and pluralistic world order, free of terrorism.

I have just had the privilege of meeting the Secretary of State Colin Powell. Our talks covered a wide range of issues. I was very happy to learn from him that the United States is as committed as we are to strengthening our relations. We took this opportunity to dwell on bilateral issues and on global issues of mutual concern. We have discussed these in an friendly and frank manner. I am confident that in days to come, the pace and quality of our interactions will yield mutually beneficial outcomes.