This seems to be the outcome of thoughtful cricket diplomacy initiated by Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf which was duly reciprocated by his host Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. In fact, the tremendous popularity of cricket in both India and Pakistan has been cashed in on by the two leaders to enhance goodwill. The game now finds itself in the role of a vehicle for peace.

The two leaders held a near-marathon meeting lasting for two hours and a half which covered the whole gamut of bilateral issues. As for the thorny Kashmir issue, recognition of the need for tackling it headlong has been achieved which is indeed a significant development. Manmohan's pragmatism was amply reflected in his words that since it was difficult to redefine borders in Kashmir, they must now concentrate on people-to-people relationship.

Although nothing concrete has emerged on the Kashmir issue, perhaps a quick breakthrough was not expected either given the complex nature of the problem, there are signs that rigid positions are giving way to a flexible combined approach to the question.

Realistically while they are allowing the Kashmir conundrum time to be resolved, they have decided to advance single-mindedly on all other matters of mutual concern. Trade and commerce figured prominently in the talks and they have also decided to promote road links. So everything points to greater interaction at the people to people level in future.

India and Pakistan, both being nuclear, have everything to lose in confrontation and so much to gain from cooperation and mutual support. Peace is the best option available to them.

The move towards a radical improvement in the ties between New Delhi and Islamabad has an auspicious note for the region. One need not labour the point too much that the changing complexion of their bilateral ties bodes well for the Saarc process.