This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/south_asia/7021532.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
India and Pakistan in trade boost India and Pakistan in trade boost
(about 1 hour later)
India and Pakistan have boosted trade ties with a truck carrying goods across the border for the first time since partition 60 years ago.India and Pakistan have boosted trade ties with a truck carrying goods across the border for the first time since partition 60 years ago.
The journey over a 50-km road link is a major step in the peace process between the two countries, which have gone to war three times since independence.The journey over a 50-km road link is a major step in the peace process between the two countries, which have gone to war three times since independence.
Analysts say trade between the two countries could reach $6bn a year if both sides ease restrictions.Analysts say trade between the two countries could reach $6bn a year if both sides ease restrictions.
They say this may improve political relations between the two countries.They say this may improve political relations between the two countries.
As senior Indian officials looked on, a truck carrying tomatoes inched its way through the imposing gates of the Wagah border between India and Pakistan, past heavily-armed border guards in full ceremonial dress.As senior Indian officials looked on, a truck carrying tomatoes inched its way through the imposing gates of the Wagah border between India and Pakistan, past heavily-armed border guards in full ceremonial dress.
This was once an ancient trade route, dating back 600 years and linked India to Afghanistan and Central Asia.This was once an ancient trade route, dating back 600 years and linked India to Afghanistan and Central Asia.
But all that ended in 1947 after the bloody partition of the sub-continent into India and Pakistan.But all that ended in 1947 after the bloody partition of the sub-continent into India and Pakistan.
Indian exports to Pakistan are valued at about $1bn a year, but are expected to double over the next year because of the new land route, which significantly cuts costs and travel time.Indian exports to Pakistan are valued at about $1bn a year, but are expected to double over the next year because of the new land route, which significantly cuts costs and travel time.
In the past, goods bound for the two countries had to be unloaded at the border and loaded into trucks belonging to the respective countries.
India exports vegetables, livestock and meat to Pakistan and imports fruit.India exports vegetables, livestock and meat to Pakistan and imports fruit.