The Hindustan Times newspaper, which did not name its sources, said diplomats from two of Iraq's other neighbours, Jordan and Kuwait, told Indian envoys they favoured such a move to help restore stability and rebuild the country.

Syria and Iran, however, were "clearly against" an Indian deployment, the daily said. Consultations were still going on with Iraq's six neighbours, which also include Turkey and Saudi Arabia.

India decided to consult Iraq's neighbours after Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee met June 15 with main opposition leader Sonia Gandhi, who opposed the idea of Indian troops serving under US and British command rather than under the UN flag.

New Delhi has been considering sending about 17,000 soldiers to Iraq since a request in early May from the United States, which is hoping to address the growing difficulties in replacing its forces with an international stabilisation force.

While some of Vajpayee's top aides seem to be leaning towards the US request, there has been stiff resistance from opposition groups and members of the premier's Hindu nationalist BJP-led coalition.

The foreign ministry is compiling a report to be submitted to the prime minister's office before Vajpayee begins another round of discussions with opposition leaders on the issue.

New Delhi will also consider the opinions of "friends like Russia and France who are against supporting any US-led stabilisation force in Iraq," the Hindustan Times said.

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