As the threat of a US-led war loomed large, India on Monday asked its citizens to leave Iraq immediately.

"There are about 50 Indians, including embassy staff, in Iraq..." External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha said in New Delhi after an all-party convened by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to discuss the Iraq crisis.

"We have taken all precautions to ensure the safety and security of Indian nationals in that area," he said.

Sinha said India is ready to meet any contingency that might arise in the event of a military conflict and there is no cause for concern.

"We have taken all precautions to ensure the safety and security of Indian nationals in that area," he said adding the nation had sufficient oil reserves.

Sinha said there was unanimity at the meeting that war should be avoided in Iraq - a position that was consistent with the one taken by the government, which has advocated peaceful resolution to the crisis.

Asked whether India was ready to provide refueling facilities to US forces, Sinha said, "Such a request has not been made so far."

Sinha said there was consensus that there should be no unilateral action against Iraq by any country or group of countries. A decision should be left to the UN Security Council.

Asked about the opposition's demand for Parliament adopting a unanimous resolution against a war on Iraq, he said, "Things are moving very fast. Anything said today will be outdated tomorrow."

He, however, said, "The government is not against bringing a resolution."

On the recent telephonic conversation between US President George W Bush and Vajpayee, he said the prime minister had stressed on the need for a peaceful resolution to the issue.