Mr L. K. Advani describes America’s current war against the Taliban as Phase I of the drive against global terrorism.

“In Phase II they have promised support to India’s fight against terrorism in Kashmir,” says the Union Home Minister.

“Does this mean America’s direct and active involvement in Kashmir?” I ask.

Mr Advani reacts cautiously and retorts: “No, no. I have said repeatedly that we shall have to fight our own battle. But the global response on the questions of plugging the sources of arms and money flow and the drying up of drug money will help.

“For instance, I told Mr Blair about Jaish-e-Mohammad. He in turn talked to President Bush, with the result this organisation was blacklisted and banned.”

The Home Minister, however, agrees that this can at best be a symbolic gesture and may not go as far as to root out the problem of terrorism in Kashmir.

He realises the gravity of the situation and acknowledges the rising anger of Muslims and other sections of the population at the mounting civilian casualties in Afghanistan.

“We will have to work out our dynamics of the situation,” he states nonchalantly.

A large portrait of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel dominates the staircase of Gate No 4 of North Block leading to Room No 105— Mr Advani’s office.

He himself is acutely aware of the comparisons often been drawn between him and the Sardar. Like the late leader Mr Advani too is believed to be a tough man, and he is the second most powerful person in the BJP-led NDA establishment after the Prime Minister. His supporters fondly see him as Prime Minister in-waiting.

A disciplined person, Mr Advani entertains no such illusion. He prefers to be patient and would like events to unfold themselves rather than set the pace for them.

A favourite of the Sangh Parivar Mr Advani is a much sought-after person. He is articulate and clear-headed, though his critics often accuse him of being loud-mouthed and provocative. He does not mince words while talking about Pakistan, terrorism and Kashmir.

“I never advocated hot pursuit. But the media continues to hammer me on this score. All that I have mooted was the pursuit of a pro-active policy on cross-border terrorism,” he clarifies during the course of a conversation in his office.

“Have you been able to pursue such a policy?” I ask.

“Yes”, he says and explains, "We no longer just react to happenings. We gather information, analyse it and act.”

Mr Advani’s is a business-like approach. He knows what he is expected to do and what he ought not be doing.

“We are well aware of the spread of the ISI network in border areas and across the country. We have not only identified the sources of support but have also blocked these avenues. We have successfully eliminated 101 such outlets (modules)," he asserts.

The magnitude of the task of combating terrorism is surely daunting but the Home Minister feels that he is on the right track. He does not agree with the suggestion that the government was influenced by the September 11 terrorist attacks in the USA to ban SIMI (the Students Islamic Movement of India) back home.

“We were working to our timetable on the basis of our information. The state governments were kept in the picture. They took their own time for the requisite coordination. But the fact is that every state has supported the ban.

“We acted in time. There was nothing political about the move against SIMI,” the Home Minister declares emphatically. He also pooh-poohs the suggestion that the SIMI move is part of the BJP’s vote bank politics in the light of the forthcoming Assembly election in UP.

Mr Advani readily acknowledges the complexity of the country’s problems, especially on the law and order front.

On the blasting of the Coca Cola plant by the People’s War Group (PWG — Naxalites) in Andhra Pradesh, he thinks that it will be wrong to draw hasty conclusions. “There was a labour problem. We have asked the state government for a report. We are waiting for it,” he says.

On the sensitive issue of Pakistan-US cooperation in fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan, Mr Advani’s reaction is: “We understand the geopolitical compulsions. Pakistan should know the best, being the immediate neighbour.

It will have all information as to what is where. So, we understand Pakistan’s role as a new ally of the USA. (The Taliban, ironically, was the creation of the ISI).”

To the specific question of the US response to India's apprehensions and its nightmarish experience of cross-border terrorism, Mr Advani states: "The evil of cross-border terrorism needs a global response and India will cooperate with the USA in this regard. We have explained our position to President Bush and Prime Minister Tony Blair. They appreciate our problem."

A shrewd politician, Mr Advani avoids responding to loaded questions without giving such an impression. All the same, he is the key figure in the making of India’s policies and postures.

No wonder, every visiting dignitary makes it a point to meet and interact with him— from Mr Tony Blair to Mr Colin Powell. US Ambassador Robert D. Blackwill too meets him regularly.

Mr Advani also realises his functional constraints because of the nature of the coalition. He has no answer to the question on the tendency of some Ministers to indulge in rhetoric which affected the credibility of the government.