Wednesday, May 17 2006 16:49 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Kozhikode: Amidst Taliban's reported claim that they killed abducted engineer K Suryanarayana at the instance of the ISI, India today said it was 'gravely concerned' about the safety of Indians in Afghanistan and it has been brought to the notice of Pakistan as well.

"Our grave concern is that Indians are being killed there (in Afghanistan) and that has been brought to Pakistan's notice," National Security Adviser M K Narayanan told reporters here.

He also said the government was not sure if Pakistan's intelligence agency ISI was involved in Suryanarayana's killing on April 30, two days after his abduction by Taliban in Afghanistan.

"The presence of ISI is very large in Afghanistan but we are not sure if they were involved in Suryanarayana's killing," Narayanan said.

Noting that security would be further strengthened for Indians working in Afghanistan, he said there was no question of calling them back in view of the Taliban threat.

On Jammu and Kashmir, Narayanan said militancy, hitherto confined to that state, was fast spreading to other places, including Varanasi and Bangalore.

"There are therefore no options for demilitarisation nowas we cannot compromise on our security there," he said.

Referring to the Indo-US nuclear deal, Narayanan said, "There was a wrong perception that our foreign policy is driven by the US."

He said the civilian nuclear energy cooperation agreement between the two countries would only benefit India.

On Iran which is under increasing pressure from the US and European countries to cease its controversial nuclear programme, he said, "Tehran has always been a good friend of India and it will continue to be so."

The National Security Adviser was here to dedicate to the nation the 'Kunhali Marakkar Memorial Stupa' at Iringal as part of Navy's efforts to renovate the freedom fighter's Museum premises there.

Narayanan said Indian Navy's stellar role had helped in promoting the country as a leading strategic power.