While that mechanism remained mostly on paper, officials hoped that this time Islamabad would remain committed. While Singh reiterated the need to bring the perpetrators of the Mumbai attacks to justice, Gilani responded by assuring him that Pakistan “will do everything in its power in this regard”.

While there was no mention of Jammu and Kashmir in the joint statement — unlike in previous such documents — it said that, “Prime Minister Gilani mentioned that Pakistan has some information on threats in Balochistan and other areas”, a hark back to Islamabad’s accusations that New Delhi was fomenting trouble in that revolt-torn province of Pakistan. Indian diplomats however sought to dismiss it as a “lame introduction”.

Asked how Balochistan made its way into the joint statement, Singh said Gilani told him there was a feeling in Pakistan that India was responsible for the unrest there. “I told him our conduct is an open book and we are willing to discuss it. If you have evidence, we will look into it. We are not afraid of discussing anything.”