Published on Sun, Sep 17, 2006 at 08:21 , Updated at Sun, Sep 17, 2006 in Nation section
New Delhi: Despite the controversial decision over possible sharing of intelligence between two nations who have a history of mistrust and animosity, Indo-Pak peace process is back on track after relations between the two countries had gone into deep freeze following the Mumbai bomb blasts in July.
On the sidelines of the NAM summit in Havana, the Manmohan-Musharraf sideshow was an opportunity for both to talk freely.
The talks that lasted for over an hour with no aides present was enough for the two leaders to thrash out their differences even if the tension on faces of the two indicated a certain degree of unease.
“It means they would have had frank discussions where they can discuss their political compulsions,” G Partha said.
The meeting appeared to have gone according to plan. Even a draft joint statement was prepared the night before in anticipation.
"These talks are happening in the aftermath of the Mumbai blasts. The two countries have decided to condemn terrorism in all its forms," Manmohan Singh said.
Now, the two foreign secretaries will meet soon to discuss the Siachen and Sir Creek disputes and confidence building measures between the two nations.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh even received a new invitation to visit Islamabad.
Now, for Singh and Musharraf, the next challenge will be to convince sections of the establishment in their countries that each party can deliver on promises, old and new.
It was a historic opportunity to resolve the Kashmir issue, Musharraf said. "We must move forward to resolve all outstanding issues including the key Kashmir factor."
After the meeting, in a candid moment, the Pakistani President even decided to put his military sentiments by the side and hailed Indo-Pak relations saying Muhabbat Zindabad.
For long time observers of Indo-Pak relations, this renewed dialogue is yet another initiative not only of India and Pakistan, but of the Americans who have been pushing the two sides to come to the talking table.
The fear though, still remains. For how long will the peace process remain hostage to domestic political compulsions?
Ironical as it may sound, coming back to square one is now a positive signal in Indo-Pak relations.
(With inputs from Parul Malhotra)
Prime Minister of India Dr. Manmohan Singh and President Pervez Musharraf, who are currently attending the Non-Aligned Movement summit in Havana issued a joint statement confirming that the peace process between India and Pakistan was back on track. The two leaders spoke for over an hour in private to sort out their issues and work out a plan to recommence peace-talks, which were stalled for some time in the aftermath of the 11/7 bombings in Mumbai.

"These talks are happening in the aftermath of the Mumbai blasts. The two countries have decided to condemn terrorism in all its forms," Indian Prime Minister Singh said, while the President hailed his country's relations with India saying ''Mohabbat Zindabad'' (long live goodwill). The Foreign Secretaries of the two nations will now meet to discuss such issues as the demilitarisation of the Siachen glacier and Sir Creek and also the status of confidence building measures such as the Lahore-Amritsar bus service and the Thar Express.

The two countries have decided to form an Indian-Pakistani institution to fight and identify terrorism. The possibility of the intelligence agencies from both countries sharing information with each other is also being explored.

President Musharraf stated that "all outstanding issues including the key Kashmir factor" needed to be resolved. He also invited Dr. Singh to visit Islamabad.