NEW DELHI, MARCH 3 The US President, George W. Bush, who arrived in Islamabad tonight might not be able to please his hosts on either nuclear cooperation or Kashmir, but is likely to affirm strong support to the peace process in the Subcontinent and press for a transformation of the triangular relationship between India, Pakistan and the United States.Bush’s recognition of India as a ‘‘global power,’’ his conscious decision to offer New Delhi a nuclear exception, and his unwillingness to meddle in Kashmir open a rare window of opportunity for India to attempt a genuine political reconciliation with Pakistan.

Although Islamabad has gone public with its demand for a nuclear pact similar to the one the US has offered to India, senior officials travelling with Bush during the South Asia trip have repeatedly reaffirmed that the nuclear deal is unique to New Delhi.

The US Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice, told the accompanying press a couple of days ago that on nuclear issues, ‘‘Pakistan is not in the same place as India. I think everybody understands that.’’

Under Secretary of State Nicholas Burns was more blunt. ‘‘Despite our friendship for Pakistan, there have been proliferation problems of a quite serious nature over the last several years that would make this kind of deal impossible, and we’ve been very upfront and direct with the Pakistanis in saying that.’’

While strongly affirming support to the Indo-Pak rapprochement and the real potential today to resolve the Kashmir question, Bush is likely to be careful in his remarks on J&K during the Pakistan visit.

Here in the Indian capital, he had told Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday that the US has no desire to inject itself as a mediator between New Delhi and Islamabad on Kashmir.

While walking a finely balanced line on Kashmir, Bush might want to try and build on his unprecedented success in building good relations with both India and Pakistan in the last few years.

In his speech here at the Purana Qila this evening before he departed for Islamabad, Bush gave an outline of his vision on recasting the triangular relationship with India and Pakistan.

‘‘There was a time when America’s good relations with Pakistan would have been a source of concern here in India. That day is passed,’’ Bush said, pointing to the new situation in South Asia.

Underlining the importance of reducing the ‘‘appeal of radical Islam’’ in Pakistan, Bush said, ‘‘a prosperous, democratic Pakistan will be a steadfast partner for America, a peaceful neighbour for India, and a force for freedom and moderation’’ in the Muslim world.

Bush is known to be loyal to his friends.

Despite the growing chorus of skepticism in Washington about Pakistan’s true commitment, he is likely to express strong personal support to President Musharraf for his cooperation in the war against terror since 9/11.

While embracing Musharraf, Bush, who spoke in ringing tones about the power of freedom, is likely to press the Army leadership in Pakistan to ensure free and fair polls in the general elections due next year. On the eve of Bush’s departure for South Asia a few days ago, his National Security Adviser Steve Hadley told the American press that besides democracy and economic cooperation, Bush will urge Musharraf to encourage the trends of ‘‘greater economic integration in South and Central Asia.’’ Few in India would disagree with Bush’s declared goals in Pakistan.