SINGAPORE, June 20: India’s improved bilateral relations with the United States are not intended to try and contain the growing might of China, the Indian foreign minister said here on Wednesday.

“We do not believe in containing any country whether big or small,” Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee told an audience of academics, diplomats and government officials during a visit to the city-state.

The minister had been asked to comment on news reports that China was concerned Washington could exploit the improving relationship with India to try and counterbalance Chinese economic and diplomatic influence in Asia.

“I can assure this distinguished audience that there is no intention of us to be utilised by any power to contain any other power,” Mukherjee said after delivering a speech.

He also quoted Chinese President Hu Jintao as saying that there was enough room for the two Asian nations to grow together, when Mr Jintao paid a landmark visit to India in November 2006.

Diplomatic contact between China and India has increased in recent years, with two-way trade hitting $2billion a month.

But India’s ties with the United States have meantime warmed considerably under US President George W. Bush.

Speaking about regional issues, he said: “Recent developments in Sri Lanka are a matter of concern to all of us, not only to India being the closest neighbour to Sri Lanka,” he said.

“An outlawed, banned terrorist outfit acquiring air striking power is a matter of great concern to all those who want to fight terrorism.” The rebels, who have been fighting for a separate state since 1972, carried out air attacks in Sri Lanka for the first time in March.

The rebels are believed to use five Czech-built light aircraft smuggled to the island in pieces.—AFP