Embassies signal India Inc for constructive role in reconstruction

Stating that Indian companies have a comparative advantage for its long association with the region, he said, “War has been deplored by all. But at the same time, reconstruction of the region is a necessity.”

A Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) spokesperson said, “We are looking at reconstruction work in Iraq from humanitarian as well as business opportunity angles.”

He, however, said CII was in touch with the US companies which would be handling most of the reconstruction works. Based on the experience of Afghanistan reconstruction, industry sources expressed apprehension over getting direct contracts in Iraq from a pro-US government. “The reconstruction projects would mainly be handled by the US companies, but Indian companies would have their role in the whole exercise as sub-contractors,” they said.

One of the chamber officials said, “most of the works have already been awarded to the US companies and their names are known.”

According to sources, US vice-president Dick Cheney’s former company Halliburton has already started working alongside the US troops in Kuwait and Turkey.

They are engaged in mainly constructing temporary residential units and tent, and providing logistical support to the army. Halliburton is also one of five large US corporations invited to bid for contracts. The five companies included the Bechtel Group, Parsons Corp and the Louis Berger Group, sources said.

The reconstruction work will involve various works like reopening of roads and bridges, repair of high-voltage electricity grid, etc.