The Indian government said the pledged funds included 50,000 tonnes of wheat worth eight million dollars to be distributed in post-war Iraq through the UN's World Food Programme.

"The remaining amount will be in cash and modalities are being worked out with the UN and its agencies on its use," Indian foreign ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna said in New Delhi.

Sarna also said joint projects with Iraq under the UN's oil-for-food programme will not terminate after the US-led war ends in Iraq.

The UN launched its appeal last week for the 2.2 billion dollars in emergency aid, including 1.3 billion for food alone.

SPACE.WIRE