Indo-Pak relations

Both the countries expressed their willingness to make significant concessions for the peace initiative to produce some good results. They also agreed to reestablish diplomatic ties, air and railway links in order to normalise the strained relations. The gesture of goodwill was extended further when India invited a delegation of the members of Pakistan's parliament to visit the country. Suddenly things were going right in many areas.

Furthermore, there were visible manifestations of the two sides softening a bit on sensitive issues. India hinted at climbing a little down from its position that no talks were possible before cross-border terrorism ended. And Pakistan was apparently going for some sterner steps to tame the Islamic fundamentalists.

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But it is precisely here that India is not convinced that Pakistan is doing enough to counter the activities of religious extremists. The Indian Deputy Prime Minister, LK Advani, who is now in the United States, has said in very clear terms that India believes Pakistan is the 'epi-centre of terrorism.' There might be more than one way of interpreting his observation, but one thing is pretty clear: Pakistan and India are still viewing everything in terms of antagonism, not understanding.

The hopes raised by the latest peace overture might be dashed if trading of accusation once more becomes the favourite ploy, or pastime, of the leaders of the two countries. That will also be a setback to Prime Minister Vajpayee who announced, not long ago, that it was his 'last attempt' at making peace with Pakistan.

The international community, which was watching the welcome developments between India and Pakistan, may begin to feel that nothing significant has been achieved. The stakes are much higher as far as the SAARC countries are concerned. So they are hoping for a rapprochement between the two nuclear-capable neighbours at the earliest.