|
India 'discussing' force for Iraq
India's new Foreign Minister, Natwar Singh, says his government has yet to decide whether to send troops to Iraq. Speaking after talks in Washington with US Secretary of State Colin Powell, Mr Singh said the issue would have to be discussed within the government. "It is premature for me to say aye or nay," said Mr Singh on the subject of sending troops to Iraq as part of a multinational force.
| Some softening in their position? UN resolution may have changed their minds. |
When in opposition, Congress fiercely criticised the BJP for considering the American request for troops. As the first politician from the new government to visit the US for talks, Natwar Singh was keen to emphasise the ties between the two countries. "Both our countries have clear commonalities in shaping a democratic and pluralistic world order, free of terrorism," he said. Echoing his remarks, Mr Powell said the "US and India have a strong relationship right now and we intend to not only keep it strong but to build on that relationship, to move forward." Mr Powell also thanked India for backing the latest UN resolution on Iraq and brushed aside the notion that Washington had pinned its hopes on a BJP victory in last month's polls. "We don't place bets on elections," he said. "I learned that long ago. We will support and work with the government which the Indian people have decided upon."
Posted by: Steve White 2004-06-13 |
