New Indian govt could be an invaluable ally of US: media

Washington, May 21 (PTI) The new Indian government led by
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh could prove to be an "invaluable
ally" of the Obama administration and the United States cannot
expect "too much too soon" from the Congress-led coalition
rule, a leading US daily said Thursday.

'The Washington Post' observed that the new government
will continue to move at its own pace in meeting regional and
global challenges.

"Mr Singh's new government could be an invaluable ally
for the Obama administration as it tries to stabilize Pakistan
and Afghanistan, control the spread of nuclear weapons and
preserve global free trade," the paper said in its editorial.

The observaton comes when the US is looking forward to
strengthen its strategic relations with New Delhi and make it
a valuable partner in resolving key regional challenges
including Afghanistan and Pakistan and global issues like
climate change and Doha round of WTO.

"There is much to ask for: not just a renewed effort to
improve relations with Islamabad but also a commitment to join
in a new multilateral treaty on the production of nuclear
materials; steps to control global warming; and less
obstructionism at global trade talks," the paper said.

"Yet Washington cannot expect too much, too soon: Even
with a strengthened mandate, the Congress Party -- and India
-- will continue to move at its own pace."

Even as the US would like to accelerate the process of
peace talks between India and Pakistan, the Post said, New
Delhi is likely to proceed cautiously in confidence-building
measures with its increasingly unstable neighbour.

The paper praised Manmohan Singh government for showing
restraint after the Mumbai terror attacks in November last.

"The unexpected landslide victory of India's Congress
Party in this month's parliamentary elections has quickly
inflated some high expectations in the country's financial
markets -- which have been soaring -- and among Western
governments," it said.

The paper also praised Singh for initiating market
reforms in India, sustaining high growth and a deepening
strategic alliance with the US during the past five years.

"Now, with the Congress Party's representation growing
from 145 to 206 members in the 543-member Parliament -- its
best performance in a quarter century -- Mr Singh will be able
to form a strong government without the left," the Post said.

"His jubilant followers and foreign observers are hoping
for everything from deregulation of financial markets to a
pullback of troops from the border with Pakistan," The Post
wrote, but added: "Some may be disappointed." PTI