India gold futures steadied near their highest level in more than a week as support from overseas markets was offset by a firm rupee, dealers said. * Dealers said physical buying was slack in the middle of a seasonally lean period. * At 2:03 pm, the most-active gold for August delivery on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) was 0.16% higher at 22,685 rupees per 10 grams, almost steady at the highest level seen since June 9. * Overseas gold edged up and held near its highest in two weeks, with no quick end in sight to economic turmoil in Europe after Greece was told to approve a new austerity package to avoid defaulting on its debt. * However, a firm rupee weighed on sentiment, keeping the local prices flat. The rupee plays an important role in determining the landed cost of the dollar-quoted yellow metal. * India, the world's biggest buyer of yellow metal, is in a seasonally lean demand period due to monsoon as farmers divert their savings on agricultural equipment and fertiliser for summer-sown or kharif crops.

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