New Delhi, July 4
The political and diplomatic logjam on the question of India contributing its troops for a stabilisation force in Iraq may be over in the coming days after the discussions Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal has had with the United States leadership during his just-concluded Washington visit.
The Americans have been conveyed the message that India will not be averse to sending troops to Iraq provided certain conditions are met and certain parameters are redefined, well-placed sources here disclosed to The Tribune tonight.
It is understood that Mr Sibal not only told the American leadership the inherent political problems for New Delhi in sending troops to Iraq, but also elaborated on the unanswered questions which the Government of India has sought from the Americans.
Privately, the Vajpayee government is of the view that the advantages of sending troops to Iraq weigh far more than the disadvantages, but the international community and the United Nations need to do something to make the request for troops in such a way that it makes it difficult for any government in New Delhi to say “no”.
The Vajpayee government is also aware of the fact that an anti-American regime in Iraq is not expected in Baghdad in the near future and that sending troops to Iraq will tantamount to sending positive signals to the international community. Besides, there is an understanding here that by not sending troops will amount to missing the bus because if India does not send its troops someone else will.
The most important factor that the Indians want to make sure is that if Indian troops were to be deployed in Iraq they should not be sucked into unpleasant situations wherein the Indians are looked upon as defenders of the occupationist forces.
Mr Sibal is understood to have given to the American leadership a detailed assessment of the Indian government on the issue. During his visit, he met senior American leaders like Condoleeza Rice, Richard Armitage, Paul Wolfowitz and Keneth Jester.
