Indian’s chances for Commonwealth top job bright

New Delhi: Thirty six of 57 Commonwealth countries have confirmed support for Kamalesh Sharma as the next secretary general, Indian sources in Kampala have confirmed.

Sharma, seen with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, is expected to face a tough fight from Malta's Foreign Minister Michael Frendo, who heads the ministerial action group.

There's speculation, however, that Frendo may bow out of the fray. Indian born Mohan Kaul, who heads the commonwealth business council, claims the support of 30 members and could cut into Sharma's votes.

The last secretary general of Asian origin was Shridath Ramphal of Guyana in 1975.