Monday, March 7 2005 12:22 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: The US wants good relations with India whose future leadership in the world is essential, American Senator Hillary Clinton has said.

The wife of former President Bill Clinton in an interview with Aaj Tak and Headlines Today said that she was amazed by the economic progress India has made and termed as inspiring the continuing democratic traditions it has maintained.

Hillary Clinton, who was in the capital to attend the 'India Today' conclave, said, "Whether it's a Republican or Democrat Government at the White House, the US definitely wants good relations with both India and Pakistan and, at the same time, encourage good relations between the two Asian neighbours."

Observing that the US wants to be friends with both India and Pakistan, the former First Lady said that she was encouraged by the announcement of the bus service between Srinagar and Muzaffarabad and other Confidence Building Measures (CBM).

Hoping that India and Pakistan would continue to make progress in their peace process, she said that the two countries could become a major powerhouse. Goods can be transited back and forth for mutual benefit, she said.

About American relations with Pakistan, the New York Senator said, "There is a sense of involvement with Pakistan both because of the events of post 9/11 and also because of the previous history-efforts to drive USSR from Afghanistan."

On speculation that she could be the democratic Presidential Candidate in 2008, she said, "Right now, I have an election in front of me and I want to win the election for Senator of New York... I am lucky to have an adviser like President Clinton readily available and I take advantage of that."