The United States on Thursday hailed the restoration of rail ties between India and Pakistan, saying it was one of several positive steps to build a base for broader rapprochement.
The State Department said the resumption in train service between the countries, along with the decision this week to increase staff at their respective embassies, were "remarkable developments" and evidence of "political courage" by the leaders of both countries.
"We've welcomed certainly the political courage that's been exhibited by leaders on both sides and the actions that they've taken recently to really bring about some remarkable developments in relations," spokesman Richard Boucher said.
"We welcome the confidence-building steps that are being taken with trains and sizes of diplomatic missions," he told reporters ahead of a visit here next week by Indian Foreign Minister Yashwant Sinha.
"We think that resuming transportation links will allow family members to meet and to improve people-to-people ties and that expanded diplomatic links help the countries address the complex agendas that they face," Boucher said.
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