Across Asia: India

PM defends Pakistan ties

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will defend efforts to improve ties with Pakistan in a parliament debate today after criticism by opposition groups that he had conceded ground to the neighbor. In Egypt this month, Singh agreed to delink the issue of terrorism from the broader peace process. Critics oppose resuming any dialogue unless Pakistan acted against the militants India believes were behind last year's Mumbai attacks.

Yesterday, Pakistan said India's launch of its first nuclear-powered submarine capable of carrying ballistic missiles was "detrimental to regional peace and stability." Sunday's launch of the submarine is part of a $2.9 billion Indian plan to build five such submarines.