India

India and Pakistan Revisit Peace Process

Indian Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, and Pakistani President, Asif Ali Zardari, met this week at the United Nations in New York to discuss their countries’ relationship. India and Pakistan have long disputed Kashmir in the Himalayas, a region situated between the two states. The path to peace began in 2004, but progress is slow. With nearly 30 incidents in the Kashmir region, this year alone, along with accusations of additional conflict, the states are determined to re-energize the peace process. Singh and Zardari agreed to establish four new trade routes between their countries, including two routes that will cross the conflict-ridden Line of Control (the Kashmir region). Negotiations were friendly and productive.

Pakistan and India have realized that their conflict-ridden relationship is not beneficial to either nation. As a result they have chosen to cooperate - to work together to make their peace process successful. The establishment of two new trade routes across the Kashmir region will ease tensions between the opposing nations, reduce conflict in the area, and thus strengthen the relationship between India and Pakistan. This increased trade and communication will contribute to a more positive, healthy relationship between these two states. In agreeing that, “violence, hostility and terrorism have no place in the vision they share,” Singh and Zardari recognize that to be most successful they must get along (iht.com). This week’s negotiations highlight the importance of interdependence and have allowed for more open, friendly discussion of how to address other issues between Pakistan and India.

Liberal

http://thenews.jang.com.pk/updates.asp?id=56304

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/09/25/asia/india.php

September 25, 2008 at 9:32 pm