In July 2012 evidence of warmer relations between India and Pakistan was highlighted by Foreign Affairs Minister SM Krishna who praised Islamabad for its "new mindset" toward India which he said was "frank and candid".

BBC: Q&A: Kashmir dispute

Originally, like other princely states which joined India after the partition of the subcontinent, Kashmir ceded control of defence, communications and foreign affairs to Delhi, while keeping a tight hold on its domestic financial and legal affairs.

ECONOMIST: The forgotten Kashmiris