India's ruling Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government Tuesday indicated that it is not averse to any debate in Parliament over foreign direct investment (FDI) in the wake of the stalemate over the issue for the fourth day in a row since the winter session began on Nov. 22.

The government said the issue of whether to conduct a debate over the FDI issue is up to the Speaker of the Lower House, with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh expressing confidence of the numbers even if there is a vote on the issue.

"We are confident of numbers," the prime minister told the media in the national capital.

Earlier in the day, Indian Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath said: "The government is not averse to discussion under any rule, we are not concerned about vote. The UPA is fully united on any decision of the Speaker and the government. All constituents are firmly behind the government."

Meanwhile, both the Lok Sabha (Lower House) and Rajya Sabha ( Upper House) were adjourned for the fourth consecutive day of the winter session without doing any business as opposition parties stalled proceedings over the government's decision to allow FDI in multi-brand retail.

Even an all-party meeting Monday failed to break the impasse.

Though the prime minister insists the recent economic reforms will "help strengthen our growth process and generate employment in these difficult times," the country's main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party and the Left parties are not convinced and have been demanding a debate over the issue.

Some 25 pieces of legislation are slated to be enacted during the winter session of Parliament before it closes on Dec. 20.