The peace process with India has lost its momentum. The last round of the composite dialogue was held in an atmosphere qualitatively different from the previous one because of the Kabul blast. Musharraf was no longer mentoring this dialogue and so his departure introduces no change. The dialogue has its own raison d’etre and responds to the needs of both countries. Democracy and dialogue, they say, go together. Pakistan’s exiled leaders were exhorting us not to settle with Musharraf, and to wait for a democratic government to take over, as a settlement with the peoples’ representatives would be more durable. We expressed our faith in Musharraf’s commitment to the dialogue and to keeping a lid on terrorism. There is less confidence about the capacity of the civilian government to deliver. Such a practical view of things places us in the company of those who have always believed it is easier doing business with the generals! So much for our faith in the goodness of democracy! In any case, on Siachen and Sir Creek, the ball is squarely in Pakistan’s court. In Siachen what the Pakistan military would not agree to while they were in charge, they are unlikely to agree to with civilian prodding. Sir Creek is doable if the civilian government wants an early achievement. The current turmoil in Kashmir, of course, damages many short-term prospects. One always lives on hopes with Pakistan!

The writer is a former foreign secretary express@expressindia.com