Syria-Iran “clearly against” Indian deployment in Iraq

By: Irfan Malik

NEW DELHI, India: The Hindustan Times newspaper reported Sunday that Iran and Syria oppose a proposal for India to dispatch troops to Iraq as part of a United States-led stabilization force.

Iran and Syria are two of Iraq's six neighbors that have warm ties with India, but according to the report they were “clearly against” an Indian deployment.

Without mentioning its source, the Hindustan Times further said diplomats from two of Iraq's other neighbors, Jordan and Kuwait, told Indian envoys they favored such a move.

The paper said consultations were still going on with Iraq's six neighbors that also include Turkey and Saudi Arabia.

The Indian government has been thinking about the dispatch of nearly 17,000 soldiers to Iraq since Washington made a request in early May. Officials said New Delhi is waiting for some clarification from the US before committing troops to Iraq. This included the announcement of a timetable for the setting up of a democratic establishment in Iraq.

Meanwhile, Indian Muslims have strongly opposed New Delhi’s decision of deployment.

END