HOME   
   NEWS   
   BUSINESS   
   CRICKET   
   SPORTS   
   MOVIES   
   NET GUIDE   
   SHOPPING   
   BLOGS  
   ASTROLOGY  
   MATCHMAKER  


Search:



The Web

Rediff








News
Capital Buzz
Commentary
Diary
Elections
Interviews
Rediff Poll
Specials
Gallery
The States



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.






Article Tools

Email this Article

Printer-Friendly Format

Letter to the Editor



Related Stories


US team to visit India

Troops: No pressure on India

Iraq: US to give clarification



People Who Read This Also Read


Thackeray softens on CAS

'India cannot be Hindu State'

Chinese editor hails PM's visit







HOME   
   NEWS   
   BUSINESS   
   CRICKET   
   SPORTS   
   MOVIES   
   NET GUIDE   
   SHOPPING   
   BLOGS  
   ASTROLOGY  
   MATCHMAKER  
Copyright © 2003 rediff.com India Limited. All Rights Reserved.