New Delhi: The Congress, all set to lead a coalition Government, favours "closest relations" with the US and will "resolutely continue" the peace process with Pakistan while making it clear that there will be "no abrupt departures" in India's policy towards China.

"We are for the closest relations with the US. It is in our interest and it is in their interest (to move in this direction). We are two great democracies," K Natwar Singh, widely tipped to become the new Foreign Minister, said today (May 16, 2004).

In a wide-ranging interview, Singh, chairman of the All India Congress Committee (AICC) foreign affairs department, said that the foreign policy to be pursued by the new Government will be infused with "political realism".

Observing that the "whole Iraqi misadventure is a disaster", he said, "As friends of the Americans, it is our duty to share our concerns about Iraq with them. That is friendship, not subservience."

On the US suggestion that with UN presence in Iraq after June 30 by when the coalition forces have expressed their readiness to withdraw, countries like India could extend support, including sending its troops to work under the aegis of the world body in the war-ravaged country, he said, "We will examine this very carefully because we don't want to annoy Iraq to satisfy some other countries."

"We will find out what is the role of the UN? What is the role of the Iraqi Council? What will be the role of the US, both on the civil side and the military side. Who will do the backseat driving?" Singh said.