Tensions easing, says Powell in New Delhi

US Secretary of State Colin Powell’ peace shuttle arrived in New Delhi tonight where he said he believed tensions had eased considerably between nuclear-armed neighbours India and Pakistan.

Powell, who visited Pakistan yesterday and arrived in the Indian capital tonight via Afghanistan, has urged the South Asian rivals to find a diplomatic solution to their month long standoff.

Powell credited Pakistani President General Pervez Musharraf for cooling things down with a weekend speech that condemned terrorism and vowed to curb Islamic militants accused of attacks in India.

‘‘I don’t think it’s as dangerous as it was a weekend or two ago,’’ Powell said.

‘‘I think there has been some progress as a result of President Musharraf’s speech this past weekend and the actions he has taken - actions that are a direct response to concerns that India had,’’ he said. ‘‘The Indians have responded positively; they want to see more action.’’

Powell will meet with Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and his national security adviser tomorrow before heading to Nepal.

On the eve of Powell’s visit, India announced it was open to dialogue with Pakistan.

‘‘The speech which General Musharraf has made is important, is in a way path-breaking,’’ said Indian Home Minister Lal Advani. ‘‘I have not heard earlier any other Pakistani leader denouncing theocracy in the manner in which Gen. Musharraf did.’’

Advani’s comments were a clear change of India’s previous lukewarm response to Musharraf’s speech on Saturday.