India Strongly Opposes US action against Iraq

Society Pakistan & World Affairs
1

The Indian Government has joined the increasing international opposition to US policies over Iraq which advocate a military attack without the need for any UN resolutions.

India opposes unilateral action on Iraq](http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/cms.dll/articleshow?artid=25550514) The Times of India

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2002

UNITED NATIONS: India has strongly opposed any unilateral action on Iraq, asserting that the international community’s desire for Baghdad’s compliance with UN resolutions does not justify such a course. Undermining Iraq’s territorial integrity could have “unforeseen and destructive geo-political implications which extend beyond the region,” UN ambassador V K Nambiar said adding that it is important to explore all possible alternatives that can help avoid recourse to military action.

But he said India would support if the Council decides to lay down fresh guidelines for inspectors, while referring to modifications being made in a proposed US-draft resolution to win the support of Russia and France. While deciding the new mandate, the Council must ensure that it is commensurate to objectives, that is disarmament of Iraq, he said on Thursday during the open debate on Iraq.

**Strongly opposing presence of Council members in inspections, extra-territorial interviews of Iraqi nationals or the use of UN guards, Nambiar said, “We believe that the conditions attached to any new resolutions or modalities of their implementation should not be such as to a make them unworkable or effectively to invite their rejection.” “Every effort must be made to ensure that peace and stability is maintained in the region, for what we do could well represent a defining moment in the way the relations among nations are ordered,” he said. **

Nambiar said no precipitate action should be taken that adversely affects the interests of the countries in the region as well those who have vital stakes in the area. “The action of the Council must not only possess legitimacy, it must also be seen to possess legitimacy,” he said adding India believes that the “urgent task” is to facilitate return of weapons inspectors. India believes that while there might a rationale for a tightened inspections regime, there is an equal case for the creation of an enabling environment for Iraq compliance with the Council resolutions, he said.

Sanctions, Nambiar said, should be lifted in tandem with “full and effective” compliance by Iraq with the Council resolution and should have no adverse humanitarian impact on the lives of ordinary Iraqi citizens.

He said India has a vital interest and high stakes in the peace and prosperity of the Gulf region. "Our relations with this region have developed as a result of centuries of deep historical, cultural, religious and economic contacts. Today there are approximately four million Indians in the Gulf region. In Iraq iself, we have substantial trade interests and projects which were affected after 1991."

2

I just wonder what the Indian lobby in congress will make of this.. Remember there are thousands of Indian businessmen who have economic links to Iraq and India has millions of workers in the gulf region. So a question to chaltahai & co, where does your support lie, do you support the Official Indian position which favours UN diplomacy or do you support the Bush plan which advocates an unlawful attack on Iraq?

3

I don't think Bush's decided to send the GIs to Iraq. We passed a resolution giving bush the backing to attack Iraq but Bush hasn't signed any executive orders for invasion yet. So it could happen unilaterally, it could happen multilaterally or it might happen from within Iraq.

Oil is an important commodity for emerging economies so you will see a more cautious approach from China and India. As far as India is concerned. India will do what is in India's national interests. Just as Americans wil do what is in their best interest. More and more India and US are converging in thought and strategy. Common enemy and all. :)

I hope that answers your question.

I would like to know, who here thinks Saddam will be around by March.

4

I don't think Bush's decided to send the GIs to Iraq.

Chaltahai, from the rhetoric emanating from the Bush Administration one would think otherwise. I believe that Bush was all ready to attack Iraq thinking that he would have the support of the entire world, but the International Community realised that it would be setting a very dangerous precedent if the US was allowed to unilaterally attack a sovereign nation and to implement a regime change. The UNs existance was itself threatened, thus France, China and Russia and 100's of other nations STRONGLY opposed Bush.

More and more India and US are converging in thought and strategy. Common enemy and all. :)

Thats where I disagree, India is not considered important enough for US policy in the region, Pakistan is very important as it is strategically placed between Iran, Afghanistan and China..

5

Indian PM administers a ‘rebuff’ to Bush on Iraq crisis](http://www.indiaexpress.com/news/national/20021119-0.html)

19th Nov 2002 By IndiaExpress Bureau

In an indirect rebuff to the United States, Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee said on Tuesday that no power should enforce its will on any country and that all issues relating to Iraq should be sorted out through the good offices of the United Nations.

“We hope no more war takes place in Iraq. All issues should be sorted out through discussions under the auspices of the United Nations. No one should try to enforce its will on others,” Mr. Vajpayee said in his speech at a Sikh congregation to mark the 533rd birth anniversary of Guru Nanak in New Delhi.

The Prime Minister had a word of advice for Baghdad too. If Iraq indeed is in possession of weapons, which endangered humanity, it (Iraq) should give them up on its own, he suggested. Mr. Vajpayee said everyone should understand that “people of all nations have a right to rule themselves and choose their own leader”.

“No country should try to impose its will on any other country,” the Prime Minister opined. This has been the most forthright statement made by the Indian Prime Minister ever since tension between US and Iraq escalated.

6

I wish Vajpayee would either pay closer attention to what he was saying or take is own words seriously. "No one should try to enforce its will on others" - pray tell what is the Indian government doing in Indian Kashmir?

As for US and India's thought converging in one direction, CH sorry to say, DHP is right. Pakistan is an important strategic ally for the US in today's day and time, and India is really nowhere in the picture. Sad, but fact is fact.

But India censuring unilateral action in Iraq is a very good step to get into the world community's good books, as well as acting civilized. Everyone wants a peaceful resolution, and if India didn't say nay, it would stick out like a sore thumb.. like Bush, only difference is Bush rules the world and India doesn't.

BTW Chaltahai ji, u dodged DHP's q quite ambiguously nicely. DHP, in direct response to yr poser, as an Indian, I certainly don't support war with Iraq, but I do support removal of Saddam Hussein and replacing him with a democratically elected government. Unfortunately, I have a feeling it would just be another Hamid Karzai-type puppet who would take over if the US took out Saddam.

The way things r going tho, I have a very grave feeling that war is on the horizon. We will be seeing some action relatively soon, and Saddam is not going to last past 2003. And yet another puppet government is going to be installed to serve the colonial US masters.

7

Ana, glad to see you oppose war against Iraq :k:. Agreed that sadam is a tyrant and needs to step aside so that democracy can be established… but its a very Complex situation.. it would be disastrous for the Iraqi people if the existing government was forcedly removed and replaced by another dictorial regime answerable only to a foreign power and not to the people of Iraq.. not forgetting that millions of Iraqis would be caught in the middle of a civil war involving kurds, shiaas and rivals within the military..

And now the Bush adminstration seems intent on invading Iraq with or without UN support, they are even contemplating the funding of armed uprisings in the North and South of the country which can only mean further death and destruction for the beleaguered Iraqi people.

I think its important for international leaders like Vajpayee to speak out and reject war against Iraq. I hope PEACE prevails for the sake of humanity and for millions of Iraqi children who have suffered terribly since the last war. I believe that the UN must be allowed to carry out one of its primary functions, that of safeguarding world peace.

Btw thanks for supporting my views against CH. :slight_smile:

8

[QUOTE]
*Originally posted by Chaltahai: *

I would like to know, who here thinks Saddam will be around by March.
[/QUOTE]

I !

9

Let me add this here as well:

What part is India playing in this crises?

HOw will Chaltahai and Co decide (react) coz as BUSH said “either you are with us or you are with them (the enemies)”?

10

DHP, umm... I have my own personal views on everything; I'm not the sort that blatantly refutes or asserts what anyone says based on any ridiculous prejudices. Just to clarify my position on things. ;)

11

Ana, Its great to have your own personal views on current affairs / issues effecting this world.. Thats an excellent thing to have. :k: and I think you dont need to have prejudices to be critical of others. Anyway have a nice evening.

12

Indian PM issues Iraq warning](BBC NEWS | South Asia | Indian PM issues Iraq warning) BBC News 19 Nov 02

By Adam Mynott BBC South Asia correspondent

India’s Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, has said no country should enforce its will on another, saying all issues relating to Iraq should be resolved by the United Nations. Mr Vajpayee made his comments, which are clearly directed at the United States, during a speech to mark a Sikh holy day.

All issues should be sorted out through discussions under the auspices of the United Nations. No one should try to enforce its will on others. The Indian prime minister said he hoped no more war would take place in Iraq. Atal Behari Vajpayee did not specifically name the US, but his message was clear and said people of all nations have a right to rule themselves and choose their own leaders.

‘No more war’
He was speaking to an audience of Sikhs, on the day which marks the anniversary of the birth of Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh religion, 533 years ago. Mr Vajpayee said: “We hope no more war takes place in Iraq. All issues should be sorted out through discussions under the auspices of the United Nations. No one should try to enforce its will on others.”

He also said that if Iraq has weapons of mass destruction it should give them up voluntarily. But he also said: “If terrorism, of any form, any colour or any hue, wants to impose itself on anyone else, it will not be allowed to succeed.”

Close relations
India is heavily dependent on imported oil and fears the effect on oil prices should conflict break out. Delhi has also enjoyed close relations with Baghdad. Four years ago, Mr Vajpayee called for air strikes on Iraqi targets by US and British war planes to be stopped. And when Iraq invaded Kuwait in 1990, India did not at first join in the international criticism of Saddam Hussein.

But in the past decade, India’s relations with the United States have improved. And senior Indian politicians have displayed a growing reluctance to criticise American foreign policy.

13

Posted by Ana

*I wish Vajpayee would either pay closer attention to what he was saying or take is own words seriously. “No one should try to enforce its will on others” - pray tell what is the Indian government doing in Indian Kashmir? *

Indian Govt is busy terminating the terrorist leeches that have infiltrated in our land.

*But India censuring unilateral action in Iraq is a very good step to get into the world community’s good books, as well as acting civilized. Everyone wants a peaceful resolution, and if India didn’t say nay, it would stick out like a sore thumb.. like Bush, only difference is Bush rules the world and India doesn’t. *

Ohhh, that’s why India did not join US forces in Gulf War but scratch, scratch which of our neighboring countries did? I guess the definition of “Good Book” and “brotherhood” were different at that time.

Iraq has remained a trusted friend of India and has consistently supported it over Kasmir issue.

http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=12402

Iraq backs Indian stand on Kashmir issue

India has a moral duty to oppose this barbaric, hegemonic US action against its ally.

14

[QUOTE]
*Originally posted by Gangu_Teli: *

India has a moral duty to oppose this barbaric, hegemonic US action against its ally.
[/QUOTE]
I agree!

15

[QUOTE]
*Originally posted by Gangu_Teli: *
India has a moral duty to oppose this barbaric, hegemonic US action against its ally.
[/QUOTE]

Would it be in case of War?

16

India wants to avoid Iraq war](BBC NEWS | World | South Asia | India wants to avoid Iraq war) BBC News Thursday, 28 November, 2002

The Indian Foreign Minister, Yashwant Sinha, has told the parliament in Delhi that India will make every effort to prevent an American-led military strike on Iraq. Mr Sinha described Iraq under Saddam Hussein as having been friendly towards India.

Mr Sinha said military action against Iraq would push up India’s oil import bill and hit remittances from millions of Indians who work in the Middle East. India supported the latest resolution by the UN Security Council that offers Iraq a last chance to give up weapons of mass destruction, but it has opposed a unilateral strike on Iraq.

17

Even yesterday external Affairs Minister of India has made a statement int he Parliament expressing support for Iraq.India has always maintained is principled stand reg Iraq.

18

[QUOTE]
*Originally posted by Deekay: *
Even yesterday external Affairs Minister of India has made a statement int he Parliament expressing support for Iraq.India has always maintained is principled stand reg Iraq.
[/QUOTE]

Yes...:)
Unlike other countries whose policy changes with a phone call from DC.

19

Military action against Iraq could spell disaster, warns India](http://www.indiaexpress.com/news/national/20021129-1.html)

11.04 IST 29th Nov 2002 By IndiaExpress Bureau

India on Thursday warned that any US-sponsored unilateral military action on Iraq could spell disaster extending beyond the Gulf region, while stressing Baghdad should fully comply with UN inspection for weapons of mass destruction.

“We are keeping a close watch on the situation,” External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha said in the Rajya Sabha replying to a short-duration discussion on the grave situation in West Asia threatening world peace and security.

Spelling out New Delhi’s stand, Sinha said any action against Iraq should be under auspices of the United Nations and the issue should be resolved through peaceful means. If the UN Inspectors found no weapons of mass destruction, then the sanctions imposed against Iraq since 1990 should be lifted, he said.

At this juncture, the Minister said “let us not allow emotions to overtake our stand and responsibility and let national interest and idealism, which have been the two pillars of our foreign policy, give expression to our position”. He said “President Saddam Hussain has been a friend of India. He should not feel let down when he is under pressure”.

Observing that New Delhi had “high stakes” in that region, he said India imported most of its crude oil from the Gulf and had a 3.5 million Indian diaspora there.

20

India and Russia have made a Joint statement STRONGLY opposing the Bush policy which advocates war against Iraq.

India, Russia strongly oppose use of force against Iraq](http://www.outlookindia.com/pti_news.asp?id=102213)

NEW DELHI, DEC.4 (PTI)
India and Russia today strongly opposed unilateral use or threat of use of force against Iraq in violation of the UN Charter, asserting that a comprehensive settlement to it was possible only through political and diplomatic efforts. A joint statement, issued after Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Russian President Vladimiar Putin held wide-ranging talks, said that a solution to the Iraq imbroglio should be in strict conformity with the rules of international law and only under the aegis of the UN.

In an obvious reference to the ongoing task being undertaken by UN weapons inspectors in Iraq, both sides noted the importance of continuing intensive work with the leadership in Baghdad to encourage it to cooperate in good faith with the world body.

New Delhi and Moscow also advocated urgent measures for resumption of Israeli-Palestine dialogue, saying that there was no alternative to the peace process. Both sides strongly condemned acts of violence against Palestinians and Israelis while expressing concern over the critical situation in the Middle East.