Press debates India's Iraq move

India was worried that its troops would be drawn into combat

India's decision not to send troops to Iraq is being widely debated in the country's media with most newspapers saying the government had little choice.

Many pointed out that the move hinged on two factors - the absence of political consensus within the country and the volatile situation on the ground in Iraq.

It was the first time in recent years that both the prime minister and the opposition leader held the same view, the Hindu stated.

It added the outcome was a forgone conclusion because Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee had made up his mind against sending the troops.

"Mr Vajpayee was known to have an open mind and allowed an internal debate within the government, but in recent weeks he had reportedly come to the 'no troops' conclusion.

"Quiet prime ministerial assertiveness had its impact on the collective thinking," the Hindu said.

Ground reality

The Indian Express said the volatile situation on the ground would have left Indian troops with no other option but to adopt an ''aggressive and proactive'' approach which could have been counterproductive.

The daily attacks on American and British troops, the angry street response to their presence, all went into determining the final Indian response The Asian Age

The Asian Age echoed this view saying the move to send troops to police a reluctant people was untenable.

"Reports from Iraq through the Indian embassy¿ spoke of complete chaos and deep hostility towards the occupying forces," the Age said.

"The daily attacks on American and British troops, the angry street response to their presence, all went into determining the final Indian response."

The Vajpayee government could not overlook the possible adverse domestic political fallout, the Hindu said.

For a leadership which went nuclear within two months of coming to power in 1998 without consulting anybody in the opposition the 'lack of domestic consensus' argument hardly holds water The Indian Express

It reported that during a recent meeting India's foreign secretary was told by Washington that the Indian forces might be required for as long as 30 months.

This possible prolonged stay - with the chance of the Indian troops taking hits - tipped the balance against following US wishes.

Divided opionion

But others pointed out that the cabinet was divided on the issue with some members, including powerful Deputy Prime Minister LK Advani, favouring troop deployment.

"In rejecting the US demand the cabinet committee on security has also overruled the publicly expressed view of one if its most important members, Deputy Prime Minister LK Advani," the Times of India said.

Another newspaper, the Hindustan Times said the Indian Army was prepared to go and had kept "an entire division ready" to be deployed in northern Iraq.

Ultimately, said the Indian Express, the BJP-led government lost its nerve on committing troops.

"For a leadership which went nuclear within two months of coming to power in 1998 without consulting anybody in the opposition, the 'lack of domestic consensus' argument hardly holds water," it concluded.