Smoke From An Old Peace Pipe

New Delhi was among the few important world capitals which did not join the international chorus welcoming Saddam's arrest. At least not publicly. No one quite knows what precisely transpired between foreign minister Yashwant Sinha and US secretary of state Colin Powell, who called up New Delhi two days after the event. What was revealed was quite bland: India hopes the development would "contribute to the stabilisation of Iraq". Ditto the mea spokesman, who said, "We've taken note of the arrest of Saddam Hussein in Iraq. We hope for early improvement of the security situation in Iraq leading to early transfer of sovereignty to the friendly people of Iraq."

What explains New Delhi's reticence? Says a senior diplomat: "We are in an awkward situation. We are not a coalition partner, we have no axe to grind with Saddam. We were against the US intervention. We are neutral to the fact that Hussein has been detained by military action."

This is largely because India had good relations with Saddam, particularly during Indira Gandhi's time. Holding her in great esteem, he cancelled the weekly Hindi film telecast on national TV when she was voted out in the post-Emergency election. Under him, Iraq staunchly supported India's stance on Kashmir. No wonder Sinha told the Rajya Sabha on November 28, 2002, "I entirely agree with the sentiments expressed in this House that Iraq under President Saddam Hussein has been a friend of India.... It is the demand of friendship...that he should not feel let down when he's under pressure."

Warm sentiments for Saddam prompted the Opposition demand that the government spell out its stance on his arrest; it hoped the incarcerated leader would be treated properly. Former PM I.K. Gujral endorses India's muted response: "The government reacted correctly, primarily because we rightly believe the occupation of Iraq by alien powers has made the Iraqis very unhappy. Therefore, whatever views one may have on a personal level, as a nation we sympathise with the Iraqi people."