In 2004, he went to Islamabad, where a Joint Statement was issued that set out a vision for a cooperative relationship.

'I must remind the house that opposition parties supported these bold steps,' Manmohan Singh said in a clear allusion to the scathing criticism by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders for his initiative to repair ties with Pakistan that has drawn adverse comments from the opposition and the media.

'I, for one, share Vajpayee's vision, and I have also felt his frustration in dealing with Pakistan,' the prime minister added as the BJP members in the house listened to him in silence.