NEW DELHI, Oct 25: In what could New Delhi’s first authentic version of the India-Pakistan tensions in 2002, former Indian National Security Advisor Brajesh Mishra has acknowledged the two countries came close to war on two occasions but American intervention averted military action.

In a summary of the interview to be telecast on NDTV next week, the Indian Express said on Thursday that the close calls came on Jan 7-8 and then in May 2002.

Asked to mention two moments he thought war would definitely happen, Mr Mishra revealed that after the Dec 13, 2001 attack on Indian parliament, mobilisation was ordered and on Jan 7-8, 2002 the Army said plans were made.

There was “90% possibility of going to war,” Mr Mishra said.” Then the Americans “approached us and said (President Gen Pervez) Musharraf is going to make a statement on Jan 12.” The second time was in May that year, after the Kaluchak massacre.