All these happy developments governing the perennially belligerent ties between India and Pakistan have become a matter of discussions not only in the region but also in the larger international arena for the simple reason that a glimmer of hope has arisen on the possibility of a much better Indo-Pak relations. An unalloyed optimism exists in many quarters that the two nuclear-powered inimical nations may now be able to find common ground to improve their badly ruptured ties. However, this feeling is "cautious" and also "guarded" in the quarters familiar with the character of their bilateral ties though the positive omens are not being downplayed. Such optimism did exist before as well, but unfortunately mostly fell short of expectations resulting in the dismay of those who genuinely look for better relationship between the two neighbours, a pre-requisite to a healthy political climate in the south Asian area.

Shawkat Aziz-Manmohan talks in New Delhi were not very productive but not discouraging either. Earlier, summits between leaders of two countries in recent years produced mixed results. The Nawaz Sharif-Vajpayee summit at Lahore generated hype for good ties but only to be belied by the "Kargil" conflict. Both the heads of government are not in the scene now. Later, the "Agra" summit between Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and president Musharraf failed to produce much results even though expectation centering the occasion had raised some hopes. Such summits caught international attention being seen as opportunities for a breakthrough in the icy bilateral ties but the euphoria disappeared much sooner than many had expected . As such, contacts at high level do produce some sobriety in complicated and even tension-ridden ties but the moot point is how long can it last and how far can it go.

However, the recent developments have been somewhat qualitatively different for the better as the contacts that began from the last SAARC summit in Islamabad spawned more positive results than assiduously organised formal summits before. Vajpayee government is gone but the new Indian government is carrying forward the positive aspects and encouraged them further. The composite talks covering different areas of bilateral ties may not have produced much tangible results every time but significantly helped improve the ties. Both sides seemed more sincere in making moves towards betterment of relations.

Undoubtedly, the main bone of contention in their talks is "Kashmir", which is defying a settlement for decades eversince two countries emerged as sovereign nations from British-ruled India.The issue is well known for its complexity and diametrically opposite positions held by New Delhi and Islamabad. Of late, some new thinkings are dawning on this seemingly intractable tangle with both sides indicating readiness for shift from the hitherto held positions -- albeit no concrete and clear statements from either side. It first came from president Musharraf, who informally broached certain ideas that marked departure from earlier stand. He said it is necessary that two countries accommodate new thoughts should they want a solution of the thorny issue based on realistic conditions. Indian prime minister also dropped hints that his government may consider new ideas about Kashmir. Dr. Singh also visited "Kashmir" on November 17 and announced symbolic reduction of troops from there.

Evidently, this is a gesture in favour of the current positive environment. Two sides are talking less provocative things on "Kashmir" these days showing restraint on the issue. However, one cannot lose sight of the fact that both are also occasionally referring to their old stance on Kashmir. A comment by the Indian prime minister that his government cannot change the geographical map of India prompted the Pakistan president to remark that his country too will revert to the demand of implementation of the UN resolution of referendum in Kashmir if India is unwilling to make changes in the fundamental principle on the issue. Definitely, this has raised some dust not favouring the present good ambience, but what is laudable in the given situation that this is not queering the pitch of negotiations or causing much bitterness.

As the two nations are dealing also with other issues, hopes naturally soared for productive exchanges and this has received further impetus by support of international world including powerful nations welcoming the developments. Unquestionably, this has put pressure on both sides to carry forward on the positive side while both countries seem convinced that their people barring the zealots largely favour reconciliation. Two heads of government also appear to be keen to give a push to the peace process.

President Mushrraf has urged now the most powerful politician in India Mrs. Sonia Gandhi, although not in government but as head of the Congress and ruling UPA alliance, to take further interest in bilateral reconciliation. Prime minister Dr. Singh has favourably responded to this observation of the Pakistan president.

But there cannot be any illusion that "Kashmir" is an emotive issue for both as New Delhi and Islamabad have their respective compulsions in dealing with the vexed problem. Arguably, saner sections in both countries hold the view that stubbornness on the Kashmir issue only helps defying a settlement of the tangle and matters cannot go too far unless both sides demonstrate spirit of accommodation. Shifting from hitherto held positions is difficult but not impossible and bold leadership can accomplish the task howsoever sensitive and difficult it is. Two sides seem to be coming out from the intransigence even though they have compulsions in tackling such a critical subject.

Without going into details, it is possible to conclude that moves can be launched for substantive reduction of tension by creating a condition assuring that the contentious issue is not beyond settlement. No doubt, it will be height to folly to expect that "Kashmir" can be resolved without going through long and difficult phase but the process can begin and both sides must seize the current good phase to improve the overall climate being more pragmatic. The positive ambience must not be lost sight of.

Zaglul Ahmed Chowdhury is a senior journalist.