Indian officials later expressed satisfaction over the outcome of the meeting, noting that “ All the major issues, including the formulation on terrorism were being negotiated till the very last. The reference to terrorism and the constitution of a joint mechanism to counter it were in tune with the Prime Minister's stand that he can carry Indian public opinion with him only if there were credible assurances on terrorism”. At the same time, the resumption of the Foreign Secretary-level dialogue, addressing the issues of Jammu and Kashmir, Siachen and Sir Creek satisfied the Pakistani side.

Earlier President of Pakistan General Musharraf called upon NAM Members to focus on just and equitable solutions to international conflicts and disputes by establishing a mechanism for the purpose. He urged NAM to promote a comprehensive strategy to combat terrorism."NAM should promote a comprehensive strategy to combat and eliminate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. It should require a two-pronged approach: first combating terrorist sanctuaries, including through active international cooperation, [and] secondly addressing the underlined cause of terrorism and extremism, which includes political disputes and conflicts, economic and social injustices”.

In his address to the NAM Summit Dr Singh said: ``If NAM is to be relevant in today's circumstances, it cannot afford to equivocate on the subject of terrorism. A message must emanate from us that we are united in our desire to fight and eliminate the scourge of terrorism,'' He further said: “The forces of intolerance and extremism could not be allowed to distract the world's attention from the vital concerns such as poverty, ignorance and disease”.

What has been the most significant outcome of the NAM Summit has been the sidelines meeting between India and Pakistan just after the serial bomb blasts and terror attacks in various parts of India in which many innocent lives were lost. This had vitiated the Indo-Pak atmosphere and it was very important to carry forward the Peace dialog process ahead at the earliest. Nothing was more better then the significant meetings between the two heads of states and for the first time Pakistan has taken significant and bold stand on the various issues which can be termed as watershed in Indo-Pak diplomacy. India on her part has also shown flexibility on the various issues including Kashmir. If things go ahead in the right direction from now on it can be a turning point in Indo-Pak history. One can hope for a new dawn in South Asia .A dawn of peace and prosperity for the whole region.

Dr SUVROKAMAL DUTTA

(The Writer is a renowned Foreign Affairs and Economic Expert)

Contact : sk_dutta70@yahoo.com