In the wake of a sharp reaction at home to his remarks, External Affairs Minister Natwar Singh on Saturday said, "The question of sending Indian troops to Iraq does not arise."

The minister made it clear that last year's parliamentary resolution against sending troops to Iraq 'remains India's policy'.

"No request has been made by the US for sending Indian troops to Iraq," he told reporters at the Indian embassy in Washington.

"We welcome the adoption of the UN Security Council resolution as a first step in restoring sovereignty to the Iraqi people, leading to stability and reconstruction."

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"We will keep the developments in Iraq under close review," he said adding, "All decisions will be taken by the government in close consultation with all political parties."

Earlier, Singh placed a wreath at Mahatma Gandhi's statue and prayed as he arrived at the embassy.

Apart from US Secretary of State Colin Powell, with whom he had a meeting lasting over an hour, the External Affairs Minister had a breakfast meeting with Robert Blackwill, former ambassador to India who is now strategic adviser to