Relations between Pakistan and India have been strained and at times even volatile since the November 2008 Mumbai attacks which brought an immediate halt to the composite dialogue process. India’s initial outrage was understandable given that non-state actors from Pakistan were involved in the assault. Still, it was felt in this country that India’s attitude ought to have changed with the passage of time.

Discussions at Sharm el-Sheikh in July last year promised much but Mr. Manmohan Singh, perhaps not wanting to go against the mood at home, was subsequently unable to tone down his government’s anti-Pakistan rhetoric. Pakistan consistently advocated dialogue, arguing that the battle against terrorism could best be fought through cooperation, particularly intelligence-sharing. In due course it was recognized by the U.S. that Pakistan’s concerns over India’s growing influence in Afghanistan as well as the threat of conventional warfare on the eastern front were genuine and understandable. Mediation may not be the right word but it is clear that America played a role in bringing the two sides closer.
Now signs of a thaw are becoming more visible by the day. On Thursday, Indian External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna publicly stated his country’s desire to reduce and possibly eliminate the trust deficit between the two neighbors. This, he felt, could only be achieved by going back to the negotiating table. A day later, Mr. Krishna said his government no longer had reservations about Pakistan’s commitment to fighting terrorism. These are encouraging signs and it is hoped the July 15 meeting in Islamabad between Mr. Krishna and his Pakistani counterpart, Shah Mehmood Qureshi, will take the two countries further down the road to reconciliation. Both sides should enter that discussion with an open mind and, to avoid an impasse, try not to make the agenda issue-specific. There is much to be discussed, such as India’s stand that there is enough evidence to take Hafiz Mohammad Saeed to court again and Pakistan’s contention that it is being denied its due share of Indus waters. The talks may not produce tangible solutions but at least a start can be made.