Washington Star/Evening Star

NEW DELHI.-When the Indian parliament unanimously adopted a resolution recording its "sympathy and support" to the people of East Pakistan in their struggle to secede from Pakistan, New Delhi thought it had done enough. But now-six weeks later-it realizes that the mere expression of sympathy is not enough from the secessionists' viewpoint. The Bangla Desh government which Bengalis of East Pakistan have established needs arms to sustain their struggle.

As the Pakistan army spreads to the country side after establishing firm control over the urban areas, the demand for weapons is by the secessionists is becoming desperate. New Delhi's problem is that direct help may involve it beyond the point of no return. War between India and Pakistan would then become inevitable, with the possibility of the world powers, particularly Russia and China, being sucked in.

The soundings made by Indian envoys abroad make it evident that all countries advise New Delhi to avoid all activity that might lead to a conflagration in the subcontinent. In the absence of positive response from the world powers, India does not want to complicate matters. But it is worried that the pro-India Awami League could lose its control to radicals.

Already, the government here reportedly possesses information that some "freedom fighters" are in touch with the pro-Peking East Bengali leader, Maulana Bhashani. China is backing West Pakistan but New Delhi believes that if Peking can reap rich dividends by having a satellite next door to India and Burma, it may jettison West Pakistan.

The Bangla Desh problem has assumed urgency on one other count: More than 1 million refugees have crossed into India. The government is spending roughly 75 cents a person a day but finds that it cannot bear the burden which is increasing day by day.

The U.S. has offered to help but only through an international agency; other powers are slow to respond.