A senior minister in United Progressive Alliance government and an influential Congress leader told rediff.com that, "India will never be party to any military intervention in any part of the Middle East or in any of the Gulf countries."
He said that 'question doesn't arise'. He also said that the Indian Navy's ships including INS Jalashwa are only to help in the rescue efforts of Indians trapped in Libya. "It's only for evacuation efforts," he said.
He said that one should not read too much in India's voting for sanctions against Libya at the United Nations. It was the unanimous vote imposing sanctions against Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi. The resolution also includes a travel ban on Gaddafi, freezes the assets of his inner circle and has refereed the crimes of Tripoli establishment to the International Criminal Court.
While talking about India's stand over changing geo-political situation in the Middle East, he said, "India will do what is in the best interests of the country."
When asked about the allegations of siding with US-led efforts in Libya, the minister dismissed the doubts saying, "India can never be a partner of the US. We will always be friends!"
Interestingly, he said in Kashmir although violence is less infiltration of militants is still on.
