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COVER STORY: INDO-PAK SPECIAL
ONE-SIDED ENCOUNTER
Is Musharraf running away with the Agra agenda?
 The
Agra summit has been preceded by a subtle but effective war of nerves
in which Pakistan has taken the lead. President Musharraf has proclaimed
his intention of showing utmost flexibility and even forgetting the past
if India even nominally acknowledges the disputed status of Kashmir and
the need for a time-bound solution. Pakistan has floated numerous trial
balloons, including the suggestion that the summit is an outcome of the
US pressure and that India is contemplating a trifurcation of Jammu and
Kashmir.
In response, India has chosen to remain curiously
reticent. The prime minister has maintained a stony silence in the belief
that diplomacy doesn't warrant domestic explanations. The mea hasn't reacted
to Pakistan's provocation. The results aren't encouraging. There is scepticism
over India's state of preparedness for the talks. An initial burst of
mushy sentimentalism was followed by a conscious attempt to underplay
expectations. Leading to the inevitable question: is there an Indian strategy
beyond hospitality?
PREVIOUS SUMMITS
 1972:
SIMLA
The Simla Pact signed by Indira Gandhi and Z.A. Bhutto agrees to uphold
the loc and settle disputes through bilateral negotiations. Some 93,000
Pakistani POWs freed by India. Bhutto gives private assurances of making
the loc the international border.
1987: NEW DELHI
General Zia-ul Haq indulges in cricket diplomacy. But the real purpose
is to defuse border tensions caused by Operation Brass Tacks and Pakistan's
counter-mobilisation. Zia and Rajiv Gandhi agree to de-escalate tensions
and withdraw troops from the border.
1989: ISLAMABAD
Rajiv and Benazir Bhutto agree not to attack each other's nuclear installations.
An agreement on Siachen is stillborn.
1997: MALE
I.K. Gujral and Nawaz Sharif agree to resume talks and establish a hotline
between Delhi and Islamabad.
 1999:
LAHORE
Amid great fanfare Vajpayee and Sharif sign Lahore Declaration to intensify
efforts to resolve disputes, including Kashmir, and reduce risk of accidental
or unauthorised use of nuclear weapons.
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