The conference is being jointly sponsored by the US and Russia to deliberate on the current situation in Syria.

Sources in the Indian External Affairs Ministry have described the situation in Syria as “grave” recently accentuated by recent plans of easing of arms sale embarbo by the European Union, arms falling into wrong hands and Russia continuing to supply sophisticated arms.

India has expressed concerns over the proliferation of chemical and bio-chemical weapons in Syria and extremists groups from across the region infiltrating into the troubled country. Some Arab countries and Iran are engaged in exerting their influence in Syria. The presence of Hezbollah has become more visible.

The grave situation in Syria has caused 1.5 million Syrians to flee and seek refuge in Lebanon, Jordon and Iraq.

“We have not yet been invited to the Geneva-II Conference on Syria,” sources in the Indian External Affairs Ministry said.

India has supported the Geneva Communique for a transitional government in Syria born out of Syrian-led process. It is in favour of completion of a peaceful election process by 2014.

There are 190 Indian peace keeping forces under UN system in the Golan Heights. Sources say that India is concerned over the safety of the Indian peace keeping forces. Austria has decided to withdraw its peace keeping forces. India has not yet taken any decision to increase its peace keeping forces to fill the void created by Austria.

India has extended humanitarian assistance of over $ 2.5 million to the Syrian people.

Peace and stability in this oil-rich country is in the larger interest of the world. India-Syria bilateral trade prior to the present Syrian crisis was to the tune of $700 million.