The meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif at Ufa should not be over-interpreted. The meeting, though positive, can make no real breakthrough. But it seems like the ice is definitely melting.
Mr Modi has accepted Mr Sharif's invitation to attend the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation summit in Islamabad next year. If the visit does take place, it will be historic. Hopefully, the visit will take place because Mr Modi has furthered regional relationships, especially with Saarc countries — a foreign policy priority — even though that approach has so far tended to exclude Pakistan.
India and Pakistan are neighbours and the recognition that both have a collective responsibility to maintain peace and promote development is welcome. Also, most reasonable and moderate Indian citizens favour a strong India-Pakistan friendship.