India cautious on Musharraf

The general's comments on Kashmir will be analysed

Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf's speech is being closely scrutinised in India, in particular his condemnation of terrorism and comments on the Kashmir dispute.

An official reaction from the Indian Government is not expected before Sunday.

But correspondents and analysts say their reaction is likely to be mixed.

He has set standards for himself and Pakistan... what will happen we'll have to wait and see

Defence analyst Lt Gen V R Raghavan

India had been pressing General Musharraf to act against terrorism and, especially, Pakistani-based militant groups allegedly carrying out attacks on Indian soil.

The Pakistani leader did just that by stating that no group would be allowed to carry out terrorist attacks from his country and also by banning two organisations blamed by India for carrying out an attack on its parliament last month.

But the BBC's Jill McGivering in Delhi says the mood of scepticism in India would be hard to counter.

Others said his strong words on Kashmir are not likely to help.

A courageous effort, especially in relation to Kashmir

Defence analyst C Rajamohan

"India will not be happy," said strategic studies analyst Brahma Chellany.

"General Musharraf was belligerent on Kashmir - especially with his call for international action and involvement into human rights violations in Kashmir."

And many feel the general's words would have to be matched by action on the ground for it to make a difference to India.

"He has set standards for himself and Pakistan... what will happen we'll have to wait and see," said defence analyst Lieutenant General V R Raghavan.

"Cross border terrorism should stop, violence should stop."

Silver lining?

But some felt that the general had gone part of the way to address India's concerns.

The speech "was quite a courageous effort, especially in relation to Kashmir" said another defence analyst, C Rajamohan.

"The sense of it is that no one will be allowed to promote terrorism in the name of Kashmir... comes very close to India's demand," he said.

A spokesman for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, V K Malhotra, said India would have to be "very careful" in its response.

"To be fair to him, his words are not... disappointing in any way," he added.

Opposition politician, A B Bardhan of the Communist Party of India, told the BBC that the action in banning the Lashkar-e-Taiba and the Jaish-e-Mohammad as well as the detention of their leaders was a positive step.

"But one should not expect huge changes in the relationship between India and Pakistan."