Kolkata: Britain on September 19 expressed hope that India would send its troops to Iraq for peacekeeping purposes, saying that they can do the job "excellently" with their kind of experience, but adding that it was, however, up to India to take a decision on the question.

"We understand India's position in this matter. I think that with their experience, your troops can do an excellent job in peacekeeping. But, it is upto the Indian government to take a decision in the matter," British High Commissioner in India Sir Rob Young told a press conference.

Stating that resolutions 1483 and 1500 have been adopted at the UN on the post-war reconstruction in Iraq and beginning of the political process in that country, Sir Rob said that a new resolution, address the issue of sending peacekeeping forces from other countries to Iraq, is being worked out.

Describing India as "a super power of the 21st century", the British envoy reiterated his country's firm support to India's demand for a permanent UN membership. "We realise that we cannot achieve our international objectives without the support of India."

Hailing India's purchase of Hawk Advanced Jet Trainers (AJTs) from Britain as a "turning point" in the defence technology sector for the two countries, Sir Rob said that the purchase would trigger large- scale local manufacturing in India and encourage many British investors to tie up with Indian companies in the defence sector.

PTI