New Delhi: The latest WikiLeaks cables point to a static, dormant Indo-US relationship, with bilateral ties going nowhere.
The Hindu newspaper has accessed the leaked cables which show that American officials are not happy with what they saw as the UPA government's "frustratingly cautious'' approach to Indo-US bilateral ties.
They blame India's bereaucracy for a lot of the those problems.
A cable dated January 8, 2008 from then US Ambassador David Mulford acknowledges that it was easier conducting business with the Vajpayee government as it was easier to meet Indian officials, including from the Home Ministry.
Mulford further says that the Gandhi's must become like the Tatas in order to keep the relationship going. Indian bureaucracy is accused of displaying "Brezhnev-era controls'' and "still fighting the Cold War".
Americans saw Pranab as future PM
From US State Secretary Hillary Clinton keepign a close eye on Pranab Mukherjee - The Americans went on to see Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee as a potential future prime minister and an association to be cultivated.
A cable dated June 2005 describes the Congress troubleshooter as "in effect, the deputy prime minister" with aspirations for "the top job."
The US acknowledges that Pranab Mukherjee's proximity to 10 Janpath, helps him enjoy good clout in the government.
However, the US doesn't spare a dig at his heavy Bengali accent which is difficult for Americans to understand."
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