Indo-Pak relations

Yashwant Sinha's words will add substance to the optimism that the two arch rivals might be making real progress towards sorting out bilateral problems, revolving primarily around Kashmir. There are visible signs of the two neighbours softening on the question of resumption of talks. India, by budging from its position, has removed a major obstacle on the way to resumption of talks, which political observers have long been describing as the only option open to the two countries if they want to settle the long standing disputes.

There are significant developments in Pakistan also. Measures like banning the chief of the outlawed Jaish-e-Mohammad, a militant group, from entering the Pakistan-held zone of Kashmir and charges brought against the bodyguards of the commander of the Hizbul Mujahedin are an indication of Islamabad taking a stand against the extremist groups, albeit in its own cautious way.

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The two countries have attained nuclear capability which is now a major global concern, particularly because they came dangerously close to full-blown hostilities on at least two occasions in the recent past, leaving aside the three wars they fought over Kashmir. So India and Pakistan shoulder the responsibility of convincing each other, and the world at large, that they will sincerely try to normalise bilateral ties. Obviously, both sides have to make concessions and show a deeper understanding of each other's problems. The latest bid to normalise ties has so far produced some tangible results as is evident from the two countries' willingness to adopt more flexible positions on tricky issues. What they must make sure is that the possibility of war is not kept alive.