'India considering troops for Iraq'

Until now, the Indian government has been reluctant to accept the US request under pressure from the Opposition, the military and some of its own allies. At a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security two weeks ago, the government decided not to send troops immediately, but keep its options open and discuss the subject with the United Nations and authorities in Iraq.

Rumsfeld called on Advani soon after his arrival here on Sunday. During the unscheduled 40-minute meeting, the two sides discussed bilateral issues and expressed satisfaction at the pace of progress of the growing defence cooperation between the two countries, the Indian Embassy said in a statement.

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Rumsfeld raised the question of India's contribution of troops for the stabilisation of Iraq and "the Deputy Prime Minister said this matter is under the consideration of the Government of India and that a decision will be taken after taking all aspects into account" the statement said.

Before taking any decision, India has sought clarification on certain issues, including the need for such a forced, its roadmap and the command under it would work.

The Embassy termed Rumsfeld's meeting with Advani at his hotel yesterday as a "very special gesture", as the former was going to travel out of Washington DC and said Deputy Prime Minister greatly appreciated this gesture.

AFP adds: US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and Indian Deputy Prime Minister Lal Krishna Advani have met in Washington to discuss the possible deployment of Indian troops to war-ravaged Iraq, media reports said Monday.

The issue was discussed during a visit by Rumsfeld to Advani at his Washington hotel room on Sunday, the reports said.

Officials had sought to set up a meeting between the two on Monday or Tuesday but their busy schedules made that impossible.

Among the main points of discussion was a US request for India to send a division-strength contingent to replace its own occupation troops, part of an international stabilisation force in Iraq.

The Indian government has not officially expressed itself on the issue but the military and the political opposition -- as well as some allies of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) -- vehemently oppose the deployment because Indian troops will fall under British or US command.

New Delhi has consistently argued that all proceedings and operations in Iraq be under the auspices of the United Nations and not a US-led coalition.

The two also discussed the ongoing international fight against terrorism and defence cooperation, newspaper reports here Monday said.