London: Criticising the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government for its passive role on the Iraq issue, a former foreign secretary has said India should have played a more pro-active role in support of Iraq.

"India is a regional power, and we could have played an important role in building an atmosphere against the war. What the Indian government has done was only the minimum that is required," Romesh Bhandari said replying to listeners' questions in the BBC Hindi weekly phone-in programme, "Aap Ki Baat BBC Ke Saath".

"India should have played a more-active role in support of Iraq, at the international forums, including the United Nations. It seems that the Indian government has once again bowed in front of America," he said.

"The voice of our country should have been louder and clearly against any war," he said.

Asked about the recent statements of Prime Minister and the External Affairs Minister in support of Iraq, Bhandari said, "These statements were given due to internal pressure, how can they openly say to the Indian public to side with the United States on an issue which is wholly unjustified."

Bhandari agreed with the participating listeners from India, UK, US, Pakistan and Nepal that America and Britain had already made up their mind to attack Iraq.

"America and Britain have already decided to attack Iraq accusing it of possessing weapons of mass destruction without having any concrete proof in this regard," he said.

"I am really of the view that Americans would be stirring a hornet's nest, if they go on and attack Iraq, as is being widely reported in their press," Bhandari said.

PTI