For Iraq, this was a political favour and so as a pre-condition Andaleeb was required to send a letter of recommendation from Natwar. Three such letters were sent to the Iraqi Oil Minister by Natwar asking him to render ‘‘full assistance and cooperation’’:

• January 30, 2001: ‘‘I am sending this letter with Mr. Andaleeb Seghal. He was present when I called on you on January 22...He enjoys my full support and confidence.’’ (page 31)

• April 26, 2001: ‘‘I am sending this letter with my son K Jagat Singh...he and his cousin Andaleeb Sehgal were with me when I called on you about three months ago...Jagat and his cousin will tell you how much I have appreciated your help and cooperation which I hope will continue.’’ (page 56)

• August 11, 2001: ‘‘I am sending this letter with Mr Andaleeb Sehgal who has come to Baghdad to continue the cooperation extended by yourself.’’ (page 66)

‘‘The close support which Natwar Singh provided to Jagat Singh and Sehgal provided an impression in the minds of the Iraqi authorities that it was Natwar Singh who was the principal actor in the entire project,’’ the report says.

It all started with the surreptitious inclusion of Jagat and Andaleeb in the Congress delegation that visited Iraq on January 18-24, 2001. The letters indicate, a fact emphasised by the report, that both of them were present when Natwar met Oil Minister Rasheed on January 22.

A day later, a presentation is made by SOMO where even Congress External Affairs Wing secretary Aneil Mathrani is present. Indian Ambassador R Dayakar has confirmed this meeting to the Pathak Inquiry where the details of how the business is to be done is laid out.

... contd.