Indian prime minister 'resting'

Mr Vajpayee was well enough to greet the Japanese PM last week

Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee is resting at home after cutting short his visit to a convention of the ruling BJP because of ill health.

"He's not moving around but working from home," said the prime minister's media advisor, H K Dua.

Mr Vajpayee left the BJP convention in the central city of Nagpur on Sunday, complaining of pain in his knees.

"The pain in my knees is getting acute. Doctors advised me rest," he told journalists after his return to the capital, Delhi.

His sudden return has fuelled speculation over his condition.

However, All India Radio reported on Monday that Mr Vajpayee was "doing fine" and was expected to chair a cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

Physiotherapy

The radio said that he was undergoing physiotherapy on his knees.

Mr Vajpayee, who is 75, is expected to travel to the US next month in response to an invitation from President Bill Clinton.

He is also due to attend a UN summit in New York.

The prime minister's media adviser has dismissed suggestions that the visit might be called off.

Mr Vajpayee suffered a throat infection some months ago, and appeared to be unwell while giving an address during Independence Day celebrations earlier in August.