New Delhi: India on September 23 said the situation in Iraq was not conducive to sending Indian troops there for security reasons and the Army's engagement with counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir and North East was "more essential" than anywhere else.

The situation in Iraq was "very complex" and there was virtually no United Nations role as on today and unless these things are resolved, "no decision could be taken in the matter", Defence Minister George Fernandes said.

"The present situation in Iraq is not conducive to sending of Indian troops there for security reasons," he said.

He however, made it clear that despite India not sending troops to Iraq, there was no ill will between Washington and New Delhi.

Declaring that terrorism was the biggest challenge facing the country today, Fernandes told Doordarshan that intrusions across the Line of Control (LoC) "still continues".

Referring to rehabilitation of surrendered militants, the Minister said a decision has been taken to raise separate units for them in the armed forces.

On suicide attacks in J and K, he said these were basically linked with religious fundamentalism. "What can one do when they are taught that if they die for their religion, they shall go to heaven."

PTI