Military from Pakistan and India re-established contact in an attempt to ease tensions

On 29 December 2008 military officers from Pakistan and India re-established contact on a hotline in an attempt to ease tensions that have intensified since the Mumbai terror attacks. Furthermore, in a statement on 29 December the Pakistani Chief of Army Staff reiterated the need for Pakistan and India to avoid conflict and focus on peace and security in the region. These developments come after concern about India-Pakistani relations intensified on 26 December 2008, as Pakistan redeployed several thousands of troops to the eastern border with India from their positions on the Pakistani-Afghan border. The Indian government advised its citizens to avoid travel to Pakistan. Pakistani authorities claim that the redeployment was a gesture to ward off any potential danger to the country. A Pakistani security official stated that Islamabad had only moved troops to areas where it believes India had moved forward its troops.