'Political upset may slow peace with Pakistan'

"The change of government will affect the momentum" created during the government of outgoing Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, said former Pakistani diplomat Kamal Matinuddin.

"I think there will be an element of delay because whatever ground had been covered by (Pakistani President Pervez) Musharraf and Vajpayee has to be recovered by Musharraf and Sonia Gandhi if she is the next prime minister," political analyst Mohammad Afzal Niazi told AFP.

Tap Here to Add The Daily Star As A Trusted Source

Congress, led by Italian-born Sonia Gandhi, has yet to name a prime minister, but whoever succeeds Vajpayee would most likely want to meet personally with Musharraf "at some multi-lateral forum," Niazi said.

“There is a danger that Congress would not move ahead substantially without meeting personally with Musharraf."

Vajpayee, 79, is credited with kickstarting the 13-month old peace process between the nuclear armed rivals by offering a hand of friendship in April last year. Peace with Pakistan was his dream, he has said.

The rapport between him and Musharraf was cemented in January when the two produced a surprise agreement to resume formal dialogue after almost three years.

The two and their closest aides had worked on the agreement in secrecy for over six months. Both were hailed for taking the Kashmir dispute further forward than any previous leaders during the 56-year dispute.

The South Asian giants have fought three wars since Pakistan was created in 1947.

Just two years ago they were on the verge of a fourth war, which the world feared would turn nuclear, over Kashmir, the lush Himalayan region claimed by both countries but divided between them.

"The pace of dialogue may slow down as the new government will have its own priorities," former information minister and ruling party Senator Mushahid Hussain said.

"There was a personal rapport that had been established between the two leaders. It will take time to develop that rapport now."