It is a very positive signal coming from the Chinese Ambassador regarding the expansion of a bilateral trade between India and China.  Also, it is very enlightening to note that the Chinese government is willing to address all the outstanding legitimate issues between these two countries whether they are in the arena of common borders, Tibet or flow of water.  Open and positive line of communication is essential to solve all mutual problems, but the only main ingredient of these dialogues ought to be that the end result should be fraught with 'win-win' situation.  Knowing what I know of the Chinese dealings with other nations, their main motive is "China first" which means it is good if it is good for China without any consideration to the other party's interest.  Hence, it is very crucial for the Indian government not to agree to any Chinese suggestions about the bilateral trade unless it is mutually beneficial.

While it is true that India should make use of all the flexibilities and positive attitude the Sharif government may show to ameliorate relationships between India and Pakistan, but one has to wonder as to how much power and final authority Mr. Sharif will have to accomplish this objective.  For a very simple reason that the military in Pakistan is not always in sync with the polity in Pakistan and also the influence of the rugged militant groups does not seem to be waning at all.  Hence, it is a very crucial enigma for Mr. Sharif to solve.  This writer is not suggesting at all not to pursue the path of peace and dialogues with the Sharif government, rather I am insinuating to be more careful before showing all your cards to the Pakistani leaders.  Knowing the history of summit meetings between India and Pakistan since 1947, one can easily conclude that peace can prevail in the region only if both parties are serious about it.  Unfortunately, what has been happening is that these meetings have not been able to produce any tangible results because it seemed to be a one-sided attempt.  The illegal border encroachment, the suicidal attacks in India perpetrated with the assistance of Pakistani leadership etc. are some of the very grave instances which are the stumbling blocks in the way of establishing peace in the region.  Can Mr. Sharif overcome this?  Can he control his military along with the elimination of activities of the militants in Pakistan?  This writer is very pessimistic about it.  Hence, my suggestion that India ought to walk very carefully on the path of peace with Pakistan.  Listen to them first and see what they can concretely deliver and then only proceed with a final decision.  EVERYBODY WANTS AND DESIRES PEACE IN THE REGION, BUT AT WHAT COST.

Mr. Saeed's outfit called JuD has a special budget allocation of millions of rupees in the Pakistani budget.  This very organization has been declared as a terrorist organization by the United States and in fact there is a bounty offer of $10 Million on Mr. Saeed.  On one hand, the Pakistani leaders are in favor of eliminating the terrorist activities in Pakistan and on the other hand, they are providing subsidies to the known terrorist.  How ironical?  Under the circumstances, one wonders if it really makes sense to carry on dialogues with the Pakistani leaders about improving relationship and expecting any cooperation which will bring peace to the region.  This writer has a very dismal hope towards achieving this goal.  If Pakistan is really serious about the eradication of terrorist activities, they should hand over Mr. Saeed to the Indian Government so that he can be brought to justice for what he has done in the Mumbai attack.  This writer fully understands an intricate situation the USA is caught in.  However, there has to be a limit of tolerance in every situation.  Most of the time, the world misinterprets a peaceful and lenient attitude of one party as a sign of weakness, and I think Pakistani leaders have been following this route as far as their relationship with the United States is concerned.  NOW IT IS UPTO THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO DETERMINE AS TO HOW MUCH LEASH HAS TO BE RELEASED AROUND THE NECT OF PAKISTANI LEADERS.