New Delhi, Aug 07: India had extensive consultation with friendly countries in the Middle East and Persian Gulf area in connection with deployment of its troops in Iraq and was of the view that it may consider the proposal if deployed under explicit UN Command, Rajya Sabha was informed today. "Based on these consultations, as well as other relevant factors, government reached the decision that, were there to be an explicit UN mandate for the purpose, the Government of India could consider the deployment of our troops in Iraq", Minister of state for External Affairs Digvijay Singh said in a written reply.

On the question whether India agrees with US interpretation of UNSC resolutions regarding deployment of third country troops in Iraq, he said there were divergent approaches and varying interpretations of the Resolution 1483 on the issue. To another query, Singh said India has consistently advocated an active and enlarged role by the United Nations in the post-war period in Iraq and has welcomed the adoption of the UN Resolution 1483 as a positive step towards restoring normalcy and peace in Iraq. Bureau Report