India on Thursday deplored the manner in which two key aides of ousted Iraqi President Saddam Hussain were executed, observing that there should be no 'needless cruelty' even if it is a result of a judicial process.

"We found the manner in which these executions were carried out and projected as deplorable. Human life is precious and an individual's death, even if it is the result of judicial process, should not be diminished by needless cruelty," external affairs ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna told media persons in New Delhi.