We hoped India would send troops: US

NEW DELHI: The United States on Monday said it would continue to vigorously pursue strategic relations with India despite New Delhi''s decision to reject Washington''s request to contribute troops to a US-led stabilisation force in war-torn Iraq.
"As we have maintained, our transformed bilateral ties with India will continue to be stronger," a US embassy spokesman said here soon after India announced that it would consider deployment of its troops to Iraq only under an explicit UN mandate.
However, the spokesman said, "We hoped that India would send a division of troops to assist the US-UK forces in Iraq despite opposition."
"This was a decision for the Government of India to make. Our position has been clear on this. Now we will look towards the future," he added.
Asked whether, the Bush administration would put some pressure on India, the spokesman answered in the negative saying that the Government of India has already taken a decision and has also categorically made its stand clear about sending troops.
"But, India is not the only country from where we were seeking troops. We are talking to other countries also," he added.
US Ambassador to India Robert Blackwill had said recently that "there is no pressure from the US on this score".
Making it clear that a ''no'' from India on its request for troops would "not damage" ties with Washington, he had said Indian troops would not be used for combat operations and would operate under the Indian flag.
The American envoy felt that "we want Indian troops as they are highly professional and experienced... A decision to send them will be positive and will enhance Indo-US relationship".