ISLAMABAD, July 26: Recognizing that Pakistan has taken a major step to stop cross-border infiltration across the Line of Control, the US Secretary of State Colin Powell is likely to push India to make the next move to end the almost seven-month-old military standoff with Pakistan.

Powell, who has been in close touch with the two South Asian leaders, will arrive here on Sunday (tomorrow).

India will be asked to stop the blame-game and to de-escalate the situation, well-placed diplomatic and government sources maintain.

India’s call to declare Pakistan a terrorist state was recently rebuffed by the United States and instead praised Pakistan for its role in the US-led anti-terror campaign.

“Powell would urge India to reciprocate by withdrawing the massive build-up of troops along the border with Pakistan,” a well-informed diplomatic source told Dawn on Friday.

“Once that is achieved, initiation of dialogue between the two countries would be pursued to work out a long-term solution to end tensions,” the sources added.

“Americans are now convinced that there are no incursions taking place from Pakistan into the Indian territory and there is a feeling that they (Americans) may be getting a bit edgy with the Indian intransigence,” said another diplomatic source.

The US state department, a couple weeks back, said that there had been a “significant decline in the level of infiltration along the LOC,” but added, “we continue to look for that to be made permanent in accordance with the pledges that President Musharraf has made.”

The Indian foreign minister had rejected the US claims of a significant drop in the flow of militants from the Pakistani side, saying he would discuss the issue of cross-border terrorism with Powell when he visits India.

The foreign ministry officials here believe that the international community has finally come around to appreciate Pakistan’s position and support its plea of resolving through peaceful means all outstanding issues including the core dispute over Kashmir.

Pakistani officials say that Islamabad will basically reiterate its position of having done “more than enough” and that it was not willing to give any more concessions.

However, foreign policy experts believe Powell would again ask Pakistan to dismantle on its side the militant training infrastructure that India insists have not been closed down.

Certain circles believe that unless the Americans decide to exert pressure on New Delhi for the resumption of dialogue with Islamabad, it is unlikely talks between the two countries will take place.

A US embassy official, when asked whether any important announcements were likely to be made by the visiting US secretary of state or an agreement between the two countries would be inked, said: “I won’t steal their thunder.” However, he observed that whatever President Musharraf or Colin Powell would say on the occasion will have significance.

According to the official, Powell’s visit to the region would also focus on bilateral relations with India and Pakistan.

“United States will be looking at ways of deepening and broadening ties with the two countries,” said a diplomatic source.

“It will be made clear to Pakistan that the US’s relationship with India is not at the cost of Pakistan,” the source added.