ESPITE some outstanding issues that have soured relations, the joint statement issued simultaneously in Washington and New Delhi shows a determined attempt by the two sides to forge deeper strategic ties. The statement comes in the wake of John Kerry`s first visit to India after Narendra Modi came to power.

It was also the American secretary of state`s first visit to India since the arrest of an Indian diplomat, accused of underpaying her housekeeper, in New York last year. There were other irritants too as Mr Kerry and Sushma Swaraj, his Indian counterpart, began probing the possibilities of delivering on what Mr Kerry called `incredible possibilities` in their relationship. The contentious issues included Indian anger over America`s surveillance activity, and Washington`s complaint that New Delhi has made every attempt to block a WTO accord on trade facilitation and its demand for concessions on food stockpiling. That, in spite of these stumbling blocks, the two governments should express the kind of sentiments they did at the conclusion of their fifth strategic dialogue highlights the deep understanding they have developed on a number of issues, including America`s assurances to the Modi government to support India`s inclusion in the UN Security Council as a permanent member. With corporate America keen to do business in a market as large as India`s, Mr Kerry`s visit also signals an end to whatever reservations America had about Mr Modi`s record as Gujarat`s chief minister.

Islamabad, however, must take note of those contents of the joint statement in which America and India have not minced words and have shown an extraordinary degree of understanding on matters concerning Pakistan. The call for speeding up the trial of the Mumbai carnage suspects was coupled with a dig at Islamabad. Even if ritual condemnation of terrorism is standard fare in diplomatic rhetoric, there is little doubt that the two countries had Pakistan in mind when the need for `eliminating terrorist safe havens and infrastructure` was stressed. However, while Pakistan may have its own concerns about such views, the fact is that LeT is a proscribed group within the country. This reality alone should compel the state to expedite the trial of the Mumbai suspects. Indeed, cracking down on militant groups is in Pakistan`s own interest and should not be linked to attempts by New Delhi and Washington to develop a relationship that, despite the hurdles, may in the long run alter South Asia`s geopolitical contours.