New Delhi:
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is unlikely to go Pakistan this year despite a longstanding invitation.
Top government sources have told NDTV that the possibility of a visit is now very bleak. This is partly because of the political instability in Pakistan, but largely because Pakistan has done nothing concrete on 26/11 and other issues.
Outstanding issues include an agreement on Sir Creek and a visa agreement that was called off at the last minute by Pakistan in May this year.
This week a Rawalpindi court also rejected as "illegal" the findings of a judicial commission that visited India this year to investigate the 26/11 attacks - a development that has led to growing exasperation in New Delhi.
However, there seemed to be a thaw in relations aided by some ' cricket diplomacy.'
India's cricket board (BCCI) announced on Monday that it had decided to resume cricketing ties by inviting the Pakistan cricket team for a short series in December 2012. Three one-day internationals and two Twenty20 matches have been planned. The Pakistan Cricket Board welcomed the move.
Cricketing ties between the two countries were suspended after the 2008 Mumbai attacks, which were blamed on the Pakistan-based militant groups and the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).