Top Indian diplomats said May 20 that Pakistan's transition back to democracy could help promote peace between the longtime rivals, even as the new governing coalition in Islamabad appears close to crumbling.

Pakistan, meanwhile, announced it would release nearly 100 Indian prisoners in a goodwill gesture as officials from both countries met for peace talks in Islamabad.

The dialogue tackles a raft of issues including the Kashmir dispute, the military standoff at the Siachen Glacier, terrorism and drug trafficking — as well as economic cooperation.