Indo-Pak dialogue

What is quite noticeable is that the two sides have decided to proceed with caution and discretion, keeping in view the great need for confidence building through negotiations at different levels.

The stakes of the two countries in the successful outcome of the peace move are high, and the same is true when it comes to the smaller nations in the region. Bangladesh, as an active member of SAARC, looked with trepidation at the way regional cooperation was being held hostage to the animus between India and Pakistan. We wholeheartedly welcome the efforts being made to normalise relations between the two important members of SAARC. The pragmatism that the two countries have shown so far in approaching the question of coming to terms with each other, unruffled by the long standing Kashmir dispute, does indicate that they are sincerely striving for a forward movement in their relations.

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The groundwork for the lengthy negotiations ahead has been done with appreciable patience and precision. The two sides, it is heartening to note, are treading cautiously and taking extreme care not to offend each other -- the first and foremost condition for making the maximum out of the peace process. This might have a positive impact on bilateral relations between other countries in the region as well. However, they must not allow any squinted vision or home-brewed political expediency to scuttle the mission.

Nothing would please us more than to see trade relations and cultural exchanges growing between New Delhi and Islamabad after the talks are over. Cricket is already exerting its sober influence, as the Indian national team is set to make its trip to Pakistan. The tour, we believe, will be a step forward in separating sports from politics. And it will definitely have a wholesome role in establishing people-to-people contact, the absence of which was felt so acutely in the past.

At the moment, things are on the right track for India and Pakistan. We hope the peace move will gather further momentum in the days ahead and blossom into an enduring rapprochement.