NEW DELHI, Aug. 19 —Prime Minister Indira Gandhi is planning a visit to the United States, the Soviet Union, Britain, West Germany and France this fall, official sources said today.

The visit is a result of “longstanding invitations” to Mrs. Gandhi. Since these are purely “return visits,” they do not have much significance, official sources indicated. President Nixon extended an invitation to Mrs. Gandhi when he visited India in 1969.

In the context of the deteriorating relations between India and the United States over the East Pakistani crisis and the signing of the Indian-Soviet treaty last week, observers feel that the visit to the United States may help clear up misunderstandings. India is agitated over the continued American shipments of arms to Pakistan at a time when the military regime there is suppressing the autonomy movement in East Pakistan.

The Indian‐Soviet treaty, which is regarded by many as la mutual defense pact, has raised questions abroad about India's position as a nonaligned nation and her future relationship with the United States, especially in regard to economic aid.

Informal consultations are now taking place on details for the visits, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said.