NEW DELHI, Dec 30: The execution of former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein on Saturday was unfortunate, Indian Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee said in a statement.

"We had already expressed the hope that the execution would not be carried out. We are disappointed that it has been. We hope that this unfortunate event will not affect the process of reconciliation, restoration of peace and normalcy in Iraq," the statement said.

Security was beefed up at American missions across the country even as angry demonstrations were held in Delhi and elsewhere to protest Hussein's hanging.

Political parties, including the ruling the ruling Congress and the communists, reacted strongly to the hanging of Hussein, terming it a "barbaric" development that would cause "more serious and bigger problems" in Iraq.

The BJP, however, was silent on the issue.

The execution sparked protests in Kolkata, several cities of Kerala, Junagadh, Vijaywada and Raipur.