Cricket diplomacy

The stalemate in India-Pakistan ties after the public falling out during foreign minister S M Krishna's visit to Islamabad in mid-July last year is likely to end with Pakistani Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani accepting his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh’s invitation. Gilani will see the high-profile clash between India and Pakistan at the World Cup semifinal in Mohali along with Singh. The occasion is expected to push the stalled New Delhi-Islamabad dialogue, with the “off field” optics likely to see some gains in official exchanges that have become largely formal acts. Official sources said the Pakistani PM was not likely to visit New Delhi and would, in all probability, return after seeing the match with Singh. A formal meeting beyond a welcome—and informal exchanges—is as yet not scheduled. The cricket is seen to provide the stage to ease “limiting positions” on both sides. It would serve to break the ice. The view that Singh’s move is essentially an “environment enabler” seems to be shared across the border. Pakistani officials did not speak of any formal talks. Indian sources made it clear they will not take their eye off major hurdles like lack of progress in bringing the 26/11 guilty to book, a point likely to be emphasized at the home secretaries’ meeting due in New Delhi on Monday and Tuesday. However, the latest Indian initiative may ease the tenseness of the environment.