Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has congratulated Pakistan's new prime minister, Shaukat Aziz, and expressed hope the countries can work together.
In a letter to Mr. Aziz, Mr. Singh said he hopes that India and Pakistan can build upon recent positive developments and move forward in talks free from terrorism and violence.
The two countries have held a series of talks aimed at ending hostilities over Kashmir, which is claimed by both.
Mr. Aziz, who entered government after a long career in banking, is seen as a trusted ally of President Pervez Musharraf, who put him in charge of Pakistan's finances after seizing power in 1999.
Prime Minister Aziz was elected Friday by the National Assembly, despite an opposition boycott.