Holbrooke, who was scheduled to visit India just after the visit of US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, said they got to know about it when 'we were in the air' en route to Pakistan.

'So, but I'm going to go back in mid-August. And within the limits of Indian independence (Aug 15), they -- I would -- they all are looking forward to my coming.'

Asked if there was a rift between him and India that led to the postponement of his visit, he said: 'If there's a rift between me and India, it would be the first rift between me and India since I was seven years old.

'You know, India was the first country in the world I was ever aware of. I have a very special feeling for it,' Holbrooke said. 'And if there's a rift, you'll have to ask the Indians. I didn't see any rift.

'The four people I usually see, all but one of them were out of the country. I talked to the Indians on the phone. (Assistant Secretary of State) Bob Blake was there with the Secretary of State. Bob Blake had some talks which were very helpful. There's no issue here.'