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

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 on 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 showingrestraint 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."