In what is seen as an indication of growing convergence of policies of major powers towards Nepal, a senior US diplomat has said the United States wants India to play a “leading role” in the Himalayan kingdom in the wake of recent developments.

“The US wants India to play a leading role in facilitating restoration of democracy in Nepal and would support New Delhi’s efforts to bring the (Nepal) government and rebels to the dialogue table,” the US Ambassador to India, David C Mulford, told reporters in the southern Indian city of Thiruvanantapuram Tuesday, according to reports.

“Our approach is to look to India, which has comprehensive relations with the country, for a supportive role rather than step in. India should play the leading role,” sify.com, an Indian news portal, quoted Mulford as saying.

“Any effort can be made for Nepal to return to a democratic format,” he said, when asked if US will support any Indian offer for mediation between Maoist rebels and Nepal government.

He said the United States, Britain and India were together as a responsible group to pressurise Nepal to what he said return to democracy.

“The three countries are the key players. The US and Britain keep the view that India should have the lead position with its comprehensive relations with Nepal.”

He said there was essential difference between the US relationships with Pakistan and India.

“There are different aspects to the relationship. The US has a free-standing bilateral relationship with India based on India’s position in the present world.”

Pakistan was a regional player and the US valued their help in the war on terror. The US had improved trade relations with India after the country changed its general economic policy with a view to become a major power, he said. nepalnews.com by Feb 23 05