Sunday win for both, one-day win Pak bonus

So both leaders agreed that their militaries need to work closely to address differences over implementing military confidence-building measures besides instructing their officials to bring in a sense of urgency in their discussions on the Siachen issue and settling the maritime boundary in Sir Creek. These aspects will be reflected in the joint statement that is under preparation and is expected to be released tomorrow.

The ‘‘forward-looking’’ and ‘‘positive’’ approach of the two leaders was evident by Musharraf’s inclination to agree with the Prime Minister that there could not be a time-bound solution to the Kashmir issue. He, however, did raise the possibility of including Kashmiris in the dialogue process at some stage. The PM seemed to point out that the process does take them into account and that India was committed to addressing this issue.

In reviewing the progress made in the peace process, the two leaders did not enter into specifics except for Musharraf’s message that Pakistan will need until December to have the Khokhrapar-Munabao rail link ready. Earlier, both sides had agreed on starting the service in October.

However, Singh and Musharraf had a 40-minute one-on-one meeting after a two-hour-long delegation level meeting during which they came up with a broad vision to cooperate more effectively in promoting cross border exchanges including along the Line of Control.

Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee and Commerce Minister Kamal Nath were also present at Hyderabad House apart from External Affairs Minister K Natwar Singh.

The Prime Minister made the point that it was the responsibility of both countries to take the lead in showing the way for the entire region by opening up trade routes and adding transport links that will give a fresh impetus to economic cooperation.

From this convergence, sources said, emanated a range of possible steps on which officials will be expected to carry forward further negotiations.

These include:

• Kashmir-specific CBMs leading to a more porous LoC like the suggestion of seven meeting points for relatives, cross-LoC trade, increasing transport linkages, frequency of Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus, and establishing more communication links.

• Emphasis on economic interaction by reviving the joint commission on trade and business that last met in 1989 and setting up a joint business council to improve contacts between private sectors on both sides.

• Building upon the Iran-Pakistan-India gas pipeline proposal to look at other energy resources in the region.

• Appropriate transit facilities to improve trade with neighbouring regions like Central Asia and West Asia.

Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran said issues like tariff and non-tariff barriers that are of concern to Pakistan can be addressed through the joint commission and joint study group comprising Commerce secretaries of both sides. The group recently met in February to exchange views on ways to improve trade.

On the Baglihar project, the PM assured the Pakistan President that India was committed to the Indus Waters Treaty and will not violate it. ‘‘The treaty is important to us. It has held for 45 years. We have no intention of harming the interests of Pakistan,’’ said Saran.

Besides this, Singh reminded Musharraf that for the process to move forward it was important that the commitment to curb terrorism as stated in the January 6, 2004, joint statement be honoured. He told the Pakistan President that it is the responsibility of the two countries to ensure that this positive movement and ambience is not ‘‘thwarted’’ by actions of terrorist elements.

India, however, noted the positive approach displayed by Pakistan when it was quick to condemn the terrorist attack on the passengers of the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus. Musharraf, for his part, felt the continuation of the peace process will enlarge the constituency of goodwill making it more difficult for such elements.