NEW DELHI, July 29: India’s decision to reject Washington’s request to send troops to Iraq will not affect US relations, US Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Chairman General Richard B. Myers said on Tuesday.

Myers said the decision on sending troops was the prerogative of India, though it was necessary for more countries to contribute to restoring stability in Iraq as well as Afghanistan.

“A stable Iraq and Afghanistan are important to the world community in the fight against international terrorism as well as for regional stability,” Myers told reporters.

He denied that his trip to India was aimed at persuading New Delhi to change its mind on sending troops. “This trip was planned three. I repeat, three months ago and is just a routine counterpart visit,” Myers said.

India rejected Washington’s request to send troops to Iraq, saying its forces would only be deployed if there was a United Nations mandate.

After arriving on Monday evening, Myers held discussions with Indian leaders and described his talks as “very productive” and in line with the growing cooperation between India and the US.—dpa