India, Pakistan Cautiously Treading Path of Peace

The Indian prime minister has called the normalization of relations between the two countries a great mission for him and has called for the continuation of bilateral talks. Also, Vajpayee had earlier said that Indian and Pakistani leaders faced new questions that demanded new answers. It is not clear whether the Kashmir issue was discussed in the talks between the 79-year-old Indian leader and the Pakistani general-turned-president.

Political analysts believe that the Kashmir issue was at the top of the agenda in the talks between the two leaders on January 5, but existing sensitivities over the issue in the two countries prompted both countries to remain publicly silent on the subject. The Kashmir issue was also the focus of a 30-minute meeting on Sunday between Vajpayee and Pakistani Prime Minister Zafarullah Khan Jamali. However no comments have been released regarding the topics of discussion or the possible outcome. It is not expected that details of the discussions between the Indian prime minister and the Pakistani president will be revealed soon.

Political analysts and experts in South Asian regional issues acknowledge the overall atmosphere is suitable and believe that, given the new circumstances, India and Pakistan are trying to reduce the level of their differences, casting aside a half-century of enmity between the countries. They are seeking to gradually prepare the grounds for economic and trade cooperation within the framework of SAARC.

Moreover, analysts consider a reduction of tension between the two countries to be inevitable. In addition, leaders of SAARC member countries hope that New Delhi and Islamabad abandon their differences and decide to transform SAARC into an active regional organization that fulfills the interests of all member states.

The recent talks between Pakistani and Indian leaders are an important step toward improving and boosting bilateral relations. It is thought the icy relationship between the two countries has already begun to thaw. Although, it is not expected that a final resolution could be achieved for the Kashmir issue in a one-hour discussion, the important thing is India and Pakistan are on their way to improved relations. The visit shows that they are continuing to tread the path of peace, though cautiously. It is promising.

RA/DWN/HG

End

MNA