Home > News > PTI
'Refusal of troops will not hit ties with US'
June 13, 2003 18:28 IST
Days ahead of a Pentagon team's arrival in New Delhi, the United States on Friday made it clear that India turning down its request for troops would 'not damage' ties with Washington.
It also did not want to associate with 'any particular kind of formulation' like Pakistan being the epicentre of terrorism as stated by Deputy Prime Minister Lal Kishenchand Advani in Los Angeles, but asserted the global war against the menace would not be won till terrorism against India ended.
"There is no pressure from the US on this score (of sending Indian troops). Even the deputy prime minister (who is currently in the US) did not feel any pressure nor did we exert any," US Ambassador in New Delhi Robert Blackwill told a group of reporters.
The US wants Indian troops to be used as a stabilising factor in war-ravaged Iraq.
Blackwill, who was in Washington during Advani's visit, said, "We want Indian troops there as they are highly professional and very experienced."
The US envoy said, "They (the troops) will not be used for combat. A decision to send them will be positive and will enhance Indo-US relationship."
At the same time, he said, "A decision not to do so will not damage the relationship which is very robust. Not to send them is their (Indian government's) choice."
Blackwill said India had vital interests in Iraq, including energy supplies, besides cultural connections and a good relationship with the Iraqi people.
Advani in US: Complete Coverage
© Copyright 2003 PTI. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of PTI content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent.
|
![](/uim/common/trans.gif)
|
What do you think about the story?
![](/uim/common/trans.gif)
|
![](/uim/common/post_ur_msg.gif)
|
![](/uim/common/trans.gif)
|
![](/uim/common/trans.gif)
|
Read what others have to say:
|
![](/uim/common/trans.gif)
|
![](/uim/common/trans.gif)
|
Number of User Comments: 2
|
![](/uim/common/trans.gif)
|
![](/uim/common/trans.gif)
|
![](/uim/common/trans.gif)
|
![](/uim/common/trans.gif)
Sub: How about this?
Sending troops to Iraq is not a bad idea...... India always does it part for the world peace. But I dont think we can do ...
![](/uim/common/msg_more.gif)
Posted by Indian143
![](/uim/common/trans.gif)
|
![](/uim/common/trans.gif)
|
![](/uim/common/trans.gif)
|
![](/uim/common/trans.gif)
|
![](/uim/common/trans.gif)
Sub: yeah
like this is 12th century where both parties come to battle ground and fight...in Iraq its street fight where they fight with anyone, anywhere,anytime...
![](/uim/common/msg_more.gif)
Posted by taapas
![](/uim/common/trans.gif)
|
![](/uim/common/trans.gif)
|
![](/uim/common/view_all_msg.gif)
|
|
![](/uim/common/trans.gif)
Disclaimer
![](/uim/common/trans.gif)