Diplomacy: First Date

Gandhi and Zia talk peace

There were no national anthems, no 21-gun salutes. Nonetheless, last week as Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi strode onto the tarmac at New Delhi airport to greet Pakistani President Mohammed Zia ul-Haq last week, the occasion was momentous. Since the partitioning of Pakistan from India 35 years ago, relations between the Asian subcontinent's two major powers have been soured by three wars, border clashes and a legacy of bitterness and suspicion. Remarked a senior Indian official: "This is a historic moment."

Especially momentous was the subject of the meeting. After the airport welcome, Zia and Gandhi sat...

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