NEW DELHI: India’s External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna Wednesday said the change in leadership will not affect India's dialogue process with the neighbouring country, local media reported.

"We are closely monitoring developments in Pakistan. Whatever happens, it will not affect talks," Krishna told reporters here when asked about whether the change in leadership in Pakistan will affect the dialogue process between the two countries.

Krishna's remarks came hours ahead of a meeting of the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) in Islamabad Wednesday evening to select the new prime minister of the country.

Pakistan’s National Assembly will formally elect the new prime minister at a special session to be convened Friday.

Textiles Minister Makhdoom Shahabuddin and Water and Power Minister Chaudhry Ahmad Mukhtar are strong contenders for the post.