Srinagar, Feb. 12 -- However, it was heartening to see the Pakistan prime minister extending an olive branch to India in his speech on February 5, which Pakistan celebrates as the so-called Kashmir Solidarity Day. Sharif sought to resolve all outstanding issues through meaningful dialogue, according to the 1999 Lahore Declaration, a bilateral agreement that aimed to promote peace and security between India and Pakistan. This was significant as the reference to declaration shows Pakistan's willingness to prioritize dialogue and cooperation with India.

Although one shouldn't read much into the overture, it does mark a departure from the more confrontational rhetoric of previous years. Sharif stayed short of criticising Prime Minister Naren...