Another rollback, Mr Sinha

Vajpayee’s willingness to make a third attempt to start a process of dialogue with Pakistan has no doubt drawn strength from the demonstrated preference of the people of J&K for the democratic principle and their rejection of violence. However tenuous there is a democratic dispensation in Islamabad as well.The emphasis on talks to solve “all issues” peacefully even if it takes time deserves serious notice by everyone. More important, the visit, the rally, and what the prime minister said at the rally, clearly endorsed the PDP’s “healing touch” policy. It is all the more regrettable that the Congress leadership stayed away from the venue in an attempt to score petty political points.

There are no magic solutions to the problems between Pakistan and India. Yet we are once again at a defining moment in dealing with Pakistan, like we were at the time of elections last year, in terms of the domestic situation prevailing at that time. For India, ending terrorism driven by extremist religious ideology remains a crucial objective. But the lowering of tensions and injecting stability into the bilateral relationship would be important goals before we can expect any movement toward resolution of outstanding issues. There is awareness in Washington and London that Pakistan is not living up to its promises to stop terrorism and infiltration.

While Pakistan’s importance to the US may increase in future, its policy of promoting jihadi terrorism is likely to come under increasing pressure, even if applied quietly. New Delhi’s willingness to explore paths to peace through dialogue would help intensify that pressure.