Former South Africa coach Ford and ex-England spinner Emburey have been given permission by their counties to travel to India to discuss the post.

The pair have both been invited by the Indian board, the BCCI, to make a presentation for the job this weekend.

India have been looking for a coach since Australian Greg Chappell resigned after the World Cup.

Ford, 46, has strong pedigree having coached South Africa from 1999-2001 and he has made a strong impact since taking over at Kent in 2005.

Kent are currently top of the Friends Provident Trophy south conference and well placed in the County Championship.

Ford said: "I am really enjoying my time at Kent and particularly the team's recent success.

"The Indian board have approached me in regard to their vacancy, and I am grateful to the club for allowing me the chance to talk to them."

Emburey, 54, who played 64 Tests for England, switched from coach to the position of director of cricket at Middlesex following the county's relegation last year. He previously had a three-year stint in charge at Northamptonshire.

Middlesex chief executive Vinny Codrington told BBC Sport: "My personal feeling is that from a career perspective he owes it to himself to at least go and see what they have got to say.

"I think they did make a tentative approach to John a couple of years ago so I am not 100% surprised. I know that they are very fond of John."

Kent are hoping Ford will remain at Canterbury.

Chief executive Paul Millman said: "Graham has a contract with Kent County Cricket Club until the end of the 2008 season.

"He has been approached by the BCCI about the job with the Indian national team, and we have allowed him the opportunity to travel to India to find out more about the role.

"Graham has done a fantastic job for us during his time at Kent - and needless to say, we very much hope he will stay with the club."