NEW DELHI, July 25: Was it a potentially loaded reference to the Kashmir dispute?

President Asif Ali Zardari’s message to greet India’s new President Pranab Mukherjee, who was sworn in with colonial-style pomp and pageantry on Wednesday, will be discussed for days for its political nuance, if there was one.

“I avail myself of this opportunity to assure, Your Excellency, of the sincere desire of the Government and the people of Pakistan to work towards forging good neighbourly, friendly and cooperative relations with India, securely founded on the principles of the Charter of the United Nations,” Mr Zardari said to Mr Mukherjee.

The message was released by Pakistan’s High Commission in New Delhi.

It was his second message in a row to Mr Mukherjee, the first being related to the latter’s election earlier this week.

Indians are sensitive about any reference to the UN resolutions on Kashmir, and it may just be possible that the Pakistani president was merely alluding to the fundamental principles of agreeable international behaviour without intending to be acrimonious.

He said: “On behalf of the people of Pakistan and my own behalf, I wish to convey to you our heartfelt felicitations on your assumption of the office of the President of the Republic of India.

“It is imperative that our two countries endeavour to promote stability, peace and prosperity in our region and seek peaceful resolution of all issues through dialogue. I wish you every success, good health and happiness and progress and prosperity to the people of India.

“Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.”

The two countries are currently engaged in a peace process that could see Indian Foreign Minister S.M. Krishna visiting Islamabad in September. It is also believed that Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh wants to visit Pakistan this year.