The Indian Government is at a stalemate over who it should support for the top job at the World Trade Organization (WTO), commerce ministry sources said.

There are around nine candidates in the race for the post of the WTO's director general, including a representative of BRIC countries, a candidate from ASEAN, and a Muslim woman from Africa. The sources said that the government would have a tough time choosing one among them for the job.

Speaking on the condition of anonymity, an official said, "We are internally discussing the candidates, although it is going to be a tough call. Over the next few weeks we will be in a better position to decide."

Indonesia has nominated former trade minister Mari Elka Pangestu, Brazil's ambassador to WTO Roberto Carvalho de Azevedo has also applied for the position.

Former Ghana minister Alan Kyerematen and Kenyan diplomat Amina C Mohamed are also in the race for the top job.

The WTO director general's position will fall vacant on August 31 when current director general Pascal Lamy will step down.

Nominations for appointing a new WTO director general closed on 31st of December, and a replacement has to be found by 31st of May. As is the custom, the new director general will be chosen by consensus, with the United States and the EU expected to play a vital role.