Indian troops if used in Iraq for 'stabilisation' operations will operate under their own flag and not be used for combat purposes, the United States Ambassador to India, Robert Blackwill, said on Friday.

Blackwill, however, added that If India declines the request for deployment of its troops in Iraq, it will not 'damage' bilateral ties.

"There is no pressure from the US on this score. Even Deputy Prime Minister (Lal Kishenchand) Advani (who is currently in the US) did not feel any pressures nor did we ever any," he said

"We want Indian troops as they are highly professional and experienced... A decision to send them will be positive and will enhance Indo-US relationship," he added.

On Monday, an US team will arrive in India to provide 'clarifications' on the nature of troop deployment and operations that will be entrusted to them in Iraq

Blackwill said terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir were not freedom fighters as they were murdering innocents.

"Terrorism emanating from Pakistan (against India) is not over. Global terrorism will not end until cross-border terrorism against India ends permanently," he said. "There should be an end to all killings... A terrorist is a terrorist is a terrorist."

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What do you think about the story? Read what others have to say: Number of User Comments: 13 Sub: NO TROOPS TO IRAQ PLS Hi all, Why should we send our troops there...There are still internal war exists...and we are aware of it.. and if we still send our ... Posted by Prabhaheren Sub: India Should Send Troops I hope India doesn't miss this oppurtunity Posted by Shweta Reddy Sub: WORLD HAS TO LOOK UPON INDIANS !!! No doubt, any global super power has to look upon india for help,since it is the nation which has the helping nature and tolerance in ... Posted by dr vodithala pavan kumar Sub: If India has troops to spare...... she should mobilize them for absolute and total "sarp vinassh". India has no business to employ her troops for such faaltoo causes when a huge ... Posted by chanakya Sub: Indian troops-yes If India wants a larger say in the world affairs, it must start behaving like a bigger power with greater responsibilities. Our troops must go, ... Posted by Ashok Kumar R