Prime Minister A.B. Vajpayee today underlined the importance of looking at ‘‘innovative ideas’’ to resolve differences while agreeing that ultimately it is for public opinion in India and Pakistan to lead politicians to ‘‘pragmatic’’ and ‘‘acceptable’’ solutions.Delivering the keynote address at the India Today Conclave on the theme ‘India Tomorrow: Building an Indian Century’, Vajpayee said: ‘‘We should be willing to look at innovative ideas for the resolution of bilateral differences. Of course, it is public opinion in both countries which has to lead to pragmatic and acceptable solutions. That’s why we have been advocating intensification of trade, economic cooperation, cultural exchanges and sporting links, so that public opinion can be mobilised in support of the peace dividend.’’In his address, telecast at the conclave, US Secretary of State Colin Powell equated the healthy state of Indo-US relations to a ‘‘Bollywood blockbuster’’. And while there will be twist and turns in the plot, he said, there is no doubt it will be a ‘‘happily-ever-after result’’ for both countries.Powell said India-US relations are the better than ever before and it would continue to grow given the continuous advancement in the ‘‘rich agenda of bilateral, regional and global importance’’.
