Peacekeeping: Not For A Few Dollars More!  

Captain (r) Bharat Verma

There are twin diplomatic objectives in the appearance of sudden news item in the media that entice New Delhi to deploy a divisional level Peacekeeping Force in Iraq. Foremost, is the attempt by Americans to gauge informally India’s response without causing embarrassment, and second, to influence public opinion towards our participation in the so-called “Stabilization Force for Iraq.”

Indian troops in peacekeeping role are much sought after by the international community for their unique mix of firm handling of an explosive situation with an extraordinary healing touch. While the American forces indulge in maximizing collateral damage to dominate the situation, Indian forces believe in minimizing it and yet manage to impose their will. Peacekeeping in Somalia brings out this glaring contrast. Americans left in haste, as they could not take the heat. However, Somalis were loath to witness withdrawal of the Indian contingent after successful implementation of the re-construction program.

Prior to committing any troops in Iraq, India must evaluate the various nuances involved in peacekeeping under a foreign military command instead of the traditional United Nation’s flag. First, we must never forget that the British not only ruled the world with our military manpower (the jewel in their crown) but also imposed their will through it on us. Thus, it will be a grave folly to subordinate a segment of our military machine under a foreign flag in Iraq once again.

Second, it’s a delusion that an average Iraqi will consider us as part of the “Stabilization Force” instead of an “Occupying Force”! Day in and day out, the American and British forces face this dilemma with rising public anger and increasing terrorist attacks against the invaders. In the Twenty First Century, possibly the dumbest thing to do is to physically occupy someone else’s land. New Delhi’s stance of no “territorial ambition”, therefore, will start finally paying dividends in the coming decades and should not be undone for earning a few dollars more. 

Third, in the unfolding scenario in Baghdad, political instability will increase. Under these circumstances, the Indian troops will be forced to open fire on locals with whom we have no quarrel. There is an enormous goodwill for India in West Asia, particularly post-Iraq that will quickly dissipate. The growing rift between Americans on one hand, and Iran, Syria and Saudi Arabia on the other, will fuel further unsavory complications. Hence, deployment of an Indian Division under the American flag will definitely be counter-productive. Especially since West Asia is not only located in our extended neighborhood but also forms part of our vital integrated economic zone.

Fourth, singular reason to deploy Indian troops in Iraq being flaunted by some under the disguise of economic stakes is faulty and shortsighted. In the aftermath of invasion and due to rising anti-American sentiments, the petro-dollars surplus from West Asian countries will anyway be invested in the EU, China and India with an increasing momentum. If one looks at the macro level, this is a much larger pie than investment from one single country. Also, American and Indian private sector is, already negotiating sub-contracts for rebuilding Iraq. To underestimate the Indian skill and genius which are much sought after worldwide, merely reflects lack of confidence in ourselves as a nation. This big picture demands strategic attention. Iraq will ultimately turn into a full-fledged battleground between Christianity and Islam- our troops, therefore, must not be caught in this crossfire. Unlike Americans who appear to lead a crusade against Islam, we do not have such a quarrel. For example our historic dispute on the Western Front is with Pakistan and quite frankly, it is not with their religion. They happen to be Islamic is of no consequence to us!

However, in spite of the fact that our newfound friends have acted like bull in a china shop, we can extend help in a variety of ways to lend stability to Iraq. The wise route for New Delhi to devise is the same as in Afghanistan. We should therefore not hesitate to send doctors, engineers, and humanitarian aid, or to run hospitals and schools as part of the famous Indian healing touch. We must help train their police force, journalists and the television crews. Unlike the American democracy that tries to impose its values overtly on an alien culture and land, we don’t. Our liberal democratic traditions merely seep into others by virtue of our normal healing work. The goodwill India has achieved in Afghanistan without sending troops is awesome and that is the highway of the Twenty-first Century to extend influence, backing it with solid military power, should the need ever arise. Therefore, in my considered opinion, deploying troops under a foreign flag (and not within the United Nation Mission) is a “no-no”. Not for a few dollars more anyway!

^*The writer is the editor of India Defence Review. 

This piece appeared in the India Defence Review and has been reproduced here with the permission of the editor.