India, March 7 -- Recalling a US-India interaction during the Indian forces' Operation Cactus in the Maldives in 1988, former Indian Army chief General VP Malik (retd) on Saturday noted a change in how the United States now perceive partners. He said the sinking of the Iranian Navy ship IRIS Dena by American forces in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Sri Lanka on March 4 showed the US no longer believed in consulting partners when using military forces in the region.

"US sinking of IRIS Dena marks extension of West Asia war to Indian Ocean. Reminds me of Op Cactus (Maldives) in Nov 1988. Maldives Govt desperately wanted mil[itary] help. When we were discussing our response & plans in Ops Room, FS (Foreign Secretary) KPS Menon received a...