The head of India's ruling Congress Party, Sonia Gandhi, has undergone surgery in the United States for an undisclosed medical condition.

A party official told reporters Thursday that Gandhi could be away for two to three weeks while she recuperates.

The official would not say what the surgery was for, but said Gandhi's condition is “satisfactory.”

He said a four-member group has been appointed to run the party in her absence. The group includes her son Rahul, who is widely seen as a future prime minister.

Born in Italy, the 64-year-old Gandhi is considered India's most powerful politician. She is the widow of assassinated former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.