THERE was a lot of expectation from the visit of President Musharraf to India and the talks in Agra. The CPI(M) had wanted both countries to engage in the process of dialogue which could go towards resolving outstanding issues between the two countries. The Agra summit was seen as a beginning in this direction. The fact that the two sides could not come to an agreement on the issues to be tackled is disappointing.

While Kashmir is one of the major issues which has to be discussed, it is unfortunate that the Pakistani side could not agree to taking up other related issues, which could have created the atmosphere for dialogue and improving relations. It seems the Vajpayee government, while extending the invitation to the Pakistan president, did not make sufficient preparations for laying the groundwork for the summit meeting between the leaders of the two countries.

Both sides have announced that the process of talks will continue. The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) wants the dialogue to continue between the two countries. For making progress in the future, more preparatory efforts at various levels should be undertaken.