Material from P. Kutsobin outlining information reviewed by B. N. Ponomarev to be used in a conversation with I. Gandhi. Topics for the conversation include the dangers of the arms race, Israeli aggression in the Middle East, and Soviet build up in Afghanistan. Special attention is given to how questions related to the Communist Party of India should be addressed. 

Brezhnev tells Gandhi about the Soviet Union's concern with recent American actions in the Middle East and shares his fear of increased nuclear capacity. Gandhi seconds these worries, celebrates the friendship between India and the Soviet Union, and requests Soviet assistance in developing India's economy.

Brezhnev and Gandhi discuss India's relationship to Pakistan and Afghanistan, highlighting the Soviet Union's involvement with the two countries. Gandhi also speaks about India's domestic situation and asks Brezhnev to cooperate in increasing India's defense capabilities. Brezhnev tells Gandhi confidential information about recent developments in Soviet-China relations.

Gromyko and Dost discuss the situation in Soviet-occupied Afghanistan and foreign relations between Afghanistan and Western countries.

Andropov Gromyko Ustinov Ponomarev Report on Events in Afghanistan on 27-28 December 1979 regarding the crisis in Afghanistan and the overthrow of Amin’s oppressive regime with the help of Soviet troops

The following CPSU Central Committee document, dated 1 April 1979 and signed by Foreign Minister Andrei Gromyko, Defense Minister Dmitrii Ustinov, KGB chief Yurii Andropov, and CC International Department head Boris Ponomarev, provides a strikingly candid assessment of the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan that the Soviet Politburo confronted in spring 1979. The report attributes the increasing success of the Islamic opposition (i.e., the Afghan Mujaheddin) to the “miscalculations and mistakes” of the PDPA (People’s Democratic Party of Afghanistan) regime that seized power following the April 1978 “revolution.”

On the provision of additional war supplies to Afghanistan.

The memo concerns Soviet steps on ties with the development of the situation around Afghanistan.

After the more general meeting of the same day, Brezhnev and Taraki meet to further discuss the situation in Afghanistan. Brezhnev advises Taraki to widen the base of the government's support among the people through political and economic means. Taraki reaffirms his current position, which includes open borders with Iran and Pakistan as well as the policy of persecution within Afghanistan.

Concerns helicopter and ammunition deliveries from the Soviet Union to Afghanistan.