With United States military action against Iraq almost certain, 50-odd Indians in Baghdad, including the embassy staff, have left the country.

The Indian ambassador B B Tyagi reached Amman by road late on Sunday night.

"There are no Indian staff now in the Indian embassy in Baghdad. Except for some 12 Indian businessmen from the private sector, the rest have left the country," Tyagi said. "Some of them may have left yesterday and the rest were to leave soon. Fifteen Indian students studying Arabic at the Saddam University had also left, except for one who was undecided."

"The embassy will be open and managed by seven local Iraqi staff," Tyagi said, adding he will continue to remain at Amman for the time being.

He also said that the remaining Indians do not need any help from the embassy and have all the documents needed to leave at any time.