One year after India and Pakistan defiantly tested their nuclear bombs, their triangular dialogue with the United States playing middleman appears to be leading to nuclear restraint. And now after the conclusion of eight rounds of talks by the United States with India and Pakistan, there is general optimism that this will resolve matters like the signing of the CTBT (comprehensive test ban treaty) by the two neighbours.
In October 1998, the American Congress voted to provide limited authority to the president to waive economic sanctions against both the countries, which he did soon after. Some analysts believe that this was done specifically to bale out Pakistan's tottering economy. Which is possibly true, but the fact remains that India itself has not scored too badly at the talks, namely, in the form of possible restoration of defence ties with the US.
Military circles in India believe that discussions with a high-level US steering group has cleared the way for military exchanges and possible joint naval exercises. The last time the Indian and US navies conducted joint exercises was in 1992.
At the same time, it has also been pointed out that the triangular talks, with US Undersecretary of State Strobe Talbott acting as go-between, have not produced anything concrete. While it may be too early to expect results, what has become clear is that unless major non-proliferation issues are discussed at greater length, India and Pakistan will find it difficult to come to any sort of agreement.