If there is one thing that Natwar Singh is never at a loss for it is fine words and quaint phrases. The new external affairs minister combines an erudition reminiscent of Jaswant Singh with the candour of George Fernandes. He may not be happy with such comparisons given the utter disdain with which he held some of the foreign policy initiatives taken by the previous government. But a week into the hot seat and Natwar is realising the virtues of thinking twice before he says something.

Initially, many opined that though the world had changed dramatically since he last occupied an office in South Block Natwar hadn't. He was mocked at for being the quintessential "Cold War warrior". Natwar jokes that at 73 he is in the "waiting room of the Almighty". However, despite getting on in years, the external affairs minister is surprisingly nimblefooted on a range of key issues. On his views on the US, he may rhyme like the ancient mariner calling the world to turn its back on "Pax Americana" and push for a "Pax Planetica". But when it comes down to doing to business with the US, he has made it abundantly clear that he would work towards strengthening and deepening ties with the world's hyperpower. As a signal of his intentions, the first ambassador to meet Natwar after he took over was the US' David Mulford.

On Pakistan too, though Natwar criticises A.B. Vajpayee's seesaw policy, instead of a U-turn he may hit the accelerator harder. There is a boldness in his approach when Natwar says that, unlike the previous government, he would not let the vagaries of crossborder terrorism determine the pace of dialogue with Pakistan. His concern with neighbourhood affairs and the need to make it a top priority is well-placed as neither Jaswant nor Yashwant Sinha was able to evolve a comprehensive policy.

There is also a secular reaching out to Islamic countries that would go down well with the Gulf and Middle East. These are good signals from the new Government. It is also an indication of a maturing of Indian foreign policy where despite changes in government there is a strong element of continuity. That would reassure the world. With J.N. Dixit as the national security adviser, don't be surprised if the UPA matches the NDA not just in terms of pragmatism in its foreign policy but also in some bold and dramatic initiatives. As Natwar says, there will be less growling and more goodwill.

"The party guides, not runs the Government"

Union commerce minister Kamal Nath spoke to Editor Prabhu Chawla on his party, politics and partners.

Q. You fought fiercely to come to power, didn't you?
A. This is a mandate. We didn't use force to get here.

Q. So 145 seats is a mandate for you.
A. The mandate is clear. The BJP's tally was 138. It got less seats than us. The people of India rejected the BJP.

Q. The Congress Party is happy with just that.
A. In the face of the Hindutva agenda, it is even better.

Q. You compromised with the DMK whom you once claimed to be the murderers of Rajiv Gandhi.
A. No, we never claimed so.

Q. Arjun Singh's letter is on record.
A. Arjun Singh had written clearly then that if there was any evidence, a commission of inquiry should be formed.

Q. One of the DMK ministers, Subbalakshmi Jagadeesan, was arrested under TADA for 'providing aid to the murderer of Rajiv Gandhi'.
A. This is an allegation. She is not yet convicted. Even L.K. Advani was chargesheeted.

Q. He was not convicted. There are charges of rape and murder against RJD minister Taslimuddin.
A. He too is not convicted.

Q. So conviction by court is the final arbiter.
A. Politics is combative today. Anyone can be chargesheeted.

Q. A seven-time MP like you can't be home minister, but a defeated leader can.
A. It is all about experience.

Q. You are 58 and Shivraj Patil is 62.
A. Different individuals have different specialisations.

Q. Is the Government run by the party?
A. No. It is run by the prime minister and his council of ministers. The party gives the direction.

Q. Who has the upper hand?
A. The Congress party has the mandate of the people.

Q. So Sonia Gandhi is supreme.
A. Absolutely, without any doubt.

Q. You are a minister and your head is Manmohan Singh, not Sonia.
A. When I am in the party Soniaji is my leader and in the Government, it is the prime minister.

Q. Do you dream of becoming the prime minister?
A. I know my limitations.