Chandigarh, June 16: Even as the government is yet to take a final decision on the issue of sending Indian troops to Iraq, a former army chief says that India should think of sending troops only when it is sure that the country's national interests and objectives are secure. "Only when we are sure to achieve success and sure that our national interest and objectives are secure, should we then think of sending the troops," Gen (Retd) V P Malik told here.
Malik said that the decision to send troops should not be guided by political consensus only, but military as well.
Malik said that the question of sending troops was an important politico-military decision that requires detailed consideration of political, diplomatic as well as military factors.
"Before we can take a decision on our participation, it is essential to know the exact nature of the stabilisation force mission, what it involves, and the actual ground environment wherein our personnel will have to work," he said.
To a question if it would be helpful to consult the countries neighbouring Iraq before India takes a decision to send its troops, Malik said "there is no harm in that".
He also favoured sending a multi-disciplinary team to Iraq to study the situation and give its assessment.
"In the end our decision should be guided by keeping supreme national interest in mind. Our national image, image of our armed forces and moreover the success in the mission has to be ensured before a final decision is taken," he said. Bureau Report