Tuesday, January 11 2005 10:51 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: After the Bush Administration failed to ensure India's inclusion in the US-led forces in Iraq, a delegation of American Congressmen yesterday (Jan 10, 2005) said New Delhi should consider participation in conduct of elections in the war-ravaged country.

"India has been having great success in conduct of elections. It has the expertise... It can consider participating in the process of holding elections in Iraq," Senator Bil Frist, leader of the Congressional delegation, told reporters in New Delhi.

Frist, whose delegation met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, External Affairs Minister K Natwar Singh and some other Indian leaders, said taking part in conduct of elections would be a non-military involvement.

India had ruled out sending troops to Iraq despite persistent pursuance by the US.

Frist said that if it was not possible for India to help in the election process scheduled for January 30, it could consider doing so for the polls proposed to be held in October for ratification of Iraq's Constitution.

The leader of the delegation, which was in Iraq two days back, described the upcoming Iraq elections as "important" and said that the US expected "robust participation" by Iraqis in 15 out of 18 provinces.

He emphasised that the elections will be "credible" and "independent".