Kashmir, despite lot of skepticism during the first two days of  the visit  did find a mention at the joint press conference addressed by President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. President Obama calling Kashmir as the long standing dispute between India and Pakistan stated that he had indicated to Prime Minister Singh that United States would be happy to play a role that is appropriate to reduce the tension. Sticking to the traditional rhetoric that the United State cannot ‘impose’ a solution he sounded optimistic in stating that the two countries would ‘over next few months find mechanism to sort out differences over Kashmir. There are sufficient indications that Kashmir dispute not only figured during the one to one discussions but also was deliberated upon in detail in the context of its geo-strategic importance of the region, situation in Afghanistan,  Pakistan role as an ally of US in fight against terrorism, need for deployment of more Pakistan troops on the Western borders  and peace in the region.  Stating that  India was committed to resolving Kashmir issue and it was not afraid of K-word Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh tacitly endorsed the need for resolving the issue. Indian bureaucracy and leadership were wary about Kashmir dominating the talks and had endeavored hard during their visits to Washington for fine tuning the trip   to the same end. True the US President is in India as what White House on the eve of his departure from Washington ‘hurriedly branded as “job mission”.  He is here to create more jobs for his people and reduce the percentage of unemployed that had cost him heavily during the midterm elections. And to seal deals ‘to help usher in billions of dollars of business. But it would be too naïve to think that his only concern during the visit has been commerce. Afghanistan continues to be key concern for America and it cannot think of stability in the region without active involvement of Pakistan in its fight in that country.  Despite lot of cynicism that the trip having failed to live up to   President Bill Clinton’s 2000 trip that helped break the diplomatic ice or President George W Bush’s visit in 2006 when a civil nuclear deal was hailed as a landmark in ties, yet it is seen as a bonanza for India on many fronts more particularly on the economic front. Hailing India as an ‘established world power’ and not ‘simply an emerging power’ is seen as first step by many in New Delhi towards recognizing India qualifying for a berth at the big table. But for achieving this important position there is need for stability in the region. A stable Pakistan as was underlined both by President and Prime Minister was vital for stability in India and world at large.
Manmohan Singh did reiterate New Delhi demand of Pakistan ‘stopping terror machine’ for resumption of composite dialogue but he equally shared the urgency of reducing tension in the region with President Obama. Despite New Delhi being extremely sensitive about outside interference in its relations with Pakistan, particularly over Kashmir problem, it seemed that New Delhi was not averse to indirect involvement of President Obama in improving relations with Pakistan and  helping in amicable settlement of Kashmir.  Without upsetting the host country Obama sounded optimistic in reiterating his one day earlier statement that he hoped to see the trust developing between the two countries. This, as he believed, is only possible when dialogue begins over less controversial issues and builds up to more controversial issue. India and Pakistan have lost a lot of time in frequent standoffs in improvement of their relations more particularly after November 2008, when hopes of durable peace and amicable settlement of many outstanding issues between two nuclear powers had brightened more than ever. The fact remains that the two countries by pausing the composite dialogue gave in to the machinations of the terrorist groups involved in attack on two hotels in Mumbai. The two countries need not to waste more time in accusing each other but instead resume the composite dialogue for resolving all outstanding issues including that of Jammu and Kashmir.

Lastupdate on : Mon, 8 Nov 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 8 Nov 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Tue, 9 Nov 2010 00:00:00 IST