The much anticipated talks between India and Pakistan were finally held on Thursday, with leaders from the two nations sitting down in New Delhi to discuss terrorism, Kashmir, and plans for future talks. Though the talks made little headway into resolving the divisive issues, the meeting marks an important first step in resuming communications after the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
As expected, India stressed its concern that Pakistan had not done enough to fight terrorists based within the country, including Lashkar-e-Taiba, the group blamed for the Mumbai attacks. In response, Pakistan reiterated that both nations have been the target of terrorist attack, and urged India to consider matters besides Mumbai. Pakistan’s primary concern centered on Kashmir, which Pakistan maintains India is dimissing by focusing almost exclusively on the Mumbai issue.
Although both sides noted their intention to continue talks, no immediate plans have been bade for the next meeting. The tenuous situation between India and Pakistan continues to concern the United States, as the possibility of a destabilized South Asia may complicate an already troublesome operation in Afghanistan.
Read more at: Washington Post, Dawn.com.
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