Indian PM Dr Manmohan Singh Singh and British PM Tony Blair may contest for top UN post 

May 10, 2006 
http://www.indiadaily.com/images/editorial/image_320.gif \* MERGEFORMATINETIndia Daily
Original Source: http://www.indiadaily.com/editorial/8658.asp

The real battle for the top UN post is, however, being fought outside the public spotlight. UN undersecretary-general for communication and public information Shashi Tharoor, who is considered the right-hand man of Mr Kofi Annan, has been lobbying hard, but despite two quick visits to India in recent weeks has been unable to get a commitment of support from the government. Other indications that India might like to play for the post of secretary-general has come from the government's reluctance to name a candidate for the post of deputy secretary-general, although at one stage the deputy chairman of the Planning Commission, Mr Montek Singh Ahluwalia, who is also very close to the prime minister, was doing the rounds. Also, now that India has been denied a permanent seat in the UN Security Council, sources said, makes it a major contender for the top UN post.
 
India has till now not even indicated an interest in fielding a candidate for the UN post which, sources said, could be an indication that the job is on offer to the prime minister. Sources, however, were quick to point out that it was not at all clear as yet whether Dr Manmohan Singh was interested, although if he was the United States, Russia, Britain and France could be expected to support his candidature without any objections. China is, of course, keen on an Asian candidate, but might not be very keen to support an Indian because of the strengthening relations between New Delhi and Washington.