Mumbai: Stating that Indian government's stance on coalition military action against Iraq has not damaged US-India relationship, US Ambassador Robert D Blackwill on May 28 said Washington has appealed to India to participate in the reconstruction and stabilisation of Iraq.

"The United States has made inquiries with a number of countries, including India, about participation in Iraq's reconstruction," Blackwill told a news conference.

The Bush administration hopes that India will participate in the crucial endeavour, so that people of Iraq could benefit from the technical expertise and historical experience that India would bring to this mission, the US Ambassador said.

"I believe that India would also benefit from such a manifestation of its role as an emerging great power in a region critical to its vital national interests," he said.

Stating that currently the challenge before the international community was to help build a stable, democratic and prosperous Iraq, Blackwill said UN Security Council last week unanimously passed a resolution lifting sanctions and establishing a framework for reconstruction and the restoration of stability inside Iraq.

India can help in many ways including extending humanitarian aid and civil works, Blackwill said, adding that "however, the decision is entirely upto India".

PTI