His arrival came as India began pulling back some of its troops from the territory, which India disputes with Pakistan.

Mr Singh said his government was ready for unconditional talks with Kashmiri separatist groups, and that further withdrawals would depend on reduced militant activity.

Analysts however believe this was short of an expected fresh peace initiative.

Do you welcome the withdrawal? Is Prime Minister Singh doing enough?

This debate has now been closed. Here are some of your comments.

What Mr Singh has done is commendable on a global scale Ranbir, Sao Paulo, Brazil

I believe that what Mr Singh has done is commendable on a global scale. If anyone is going to change the political landscape of the Kashmir situation, it will be him. On the issue of whether he withdraws 1000 troops or 100,000 is irrelevant. His good gesture to bring about a healthy dialogue between Pakistan and India is a great and perhaps a historical event that may bring peace to the region.
Ranbir, Sao Paulo, Brazil

Withdrawal is a good sign. A small but decisive step towards peace and friendly existence. I hope Pakistan reciprocates with equal fervour and hope it shows some good judgment on their part.
Ravi Bollina, State college, USA

The sensible thing to do is for both India and Pakistan to recognise the unique identity and independence of Kashmir.
Alan Ives, Norwich

1,000 troops is a drop in the ocean. If you take a sip you don't empty oceans. This is a gimmick played by shrewd politicians. Sacrifice by so many Kashmiris should ultimately result in complete withdrawal of all unwanted and unwelcome troops (i.e. empty the whole ocean so that no-one ever drowns again).
A Mahmood, Glasgow, UK

A troop withdrawal, even in large numbers, does not change the political position of India Krishna, San Francisco

A troop withdrawal, even in large numbers, does not change the political position of India in any form. Since it is winter, some of the areas are inhabitable, thus India is saving money and getting good PR at the same time by going through with this. With advanced technology provided by unmanned aircrafts and satellite surveys, I don't think India is giving out much. Troops will be back at the first sign of trouble.
Krishna, San Francisco, USA

I hope our respected Prime Minister knows what he is up to. Withdrawal is not the solution but only an escalation. Being decisive will solve this situation and not feel good things. I think it's a very poor judgement. After a year we will be fighting again.
Raj, India

Manmohan Singh is a great visionary. This is a great move on his part. I hope Pakistan doesn't breach the trust.
Ritu, Boston, USA

From an Indian perspective, we should be cautiously optimistic. Hopefully, the militants and their masters will reciprocate these steps by scaling down violence. Any upsurge in violence from the militants' side will quickly force the Indian authorities to cancel the troop reduction.
S Singh, USA/India

Musharraf has adopted very positive approach towards Kashmir issue and Manmohan Singh was equal in the task Khayyam, Falls Church, USA

This is a positive step in promoting peace in the region. Demilitarization of Kashmir is very important since none of the both sides are trying to give up the disputed territory. Musharraf has adopted very positive approach towards Kashmir issue and Manmohan Singh was equal in the task by pulling his troops from Kashmir.
Khayyam, Falls Church, USA

Who will take care of the non-Muslims in Kashmir region? Will the PM also take responsibility if militants kill minorities? Don't pull back as Kargil is still fresh in our memories.
Harpreet, Edinburgh, UK

Kashmir conflict could not and should not be solved by gun power. I think mutual trust should be built as a constructive step towards lasting peace. It is a nice move by India for that. I am also so optimistic that Pakistan will respond positively.
S Iyer, Tokyo, Japan

I hope the Indian leaders have not forgotten what happened in Kargil a few years back. Hopefully this won't be a repeat performance but knowing Pakistan's record of always stabbing in the back I am quite sceptical of this so-called unilateral move.
Saket Kapur, Boston, US

Troop withdrawal can hardly solve any problem. The only solution for Kashmir problem is to divide the area between Hindu/Buddhist and Islamic Kashmir. The Hindu/Buddhist side can stay with India and the other side with Pakistan.
Mrs Leonhardt, Germany

Resolving issues with rogues needs a tougher hand Arjun Subbarao, Minneapolis

I am not so sure about this move from Manmohan Singh. It just worries me that my country will face more militants if the troops withdraw. Resolving issues peacefully only works with civilized and ordered groups such as the British rule in India. Resolving issues with rogues needs a tougher hand.
Arjun Subbarao, Minneapolis, USA/India

Wow, I am amazed and hopeful that the withdrawal of troops might finally help guide India and Pakistan to have better relationship. Kashmiris must be cautiously optimistic at this move. I am and I hope everyone is.
Sreenivasan Venkatraman, Greensboro, USA

Indeed a very very positive and bold step by India. Now it is time for the Srinagar - Muzaffarabad and Khokhrapar - Monaba bus services, it's too direly needed.
Sadiq Ali Bohra, Hyderabad, Pakistan

You can't clap with one hand and the same theory goes with the situation regarding Kashmir Azita, Edmonton, Canada

You can't clap with one hand and the same theory goes with the situation regarding Kashmir. The Indian government must deal with the matter a step at a time making sure their feet are planted in firm ground at all times. Prime Minister Singh thus far has proved to be a positive influence for the vision that India holds!
Azita, Edmonton, Canada

380,000 Indian troops in Kashmir and only 1,000 are leaving. It can hardly be called a withdrawal.
Jamal, Lahore

To Jamal, Lahore: Whether you call it withdrawal or not, it's a start and right now anything is good for Kashmiris.
Anis Hoda, Los Angeles

India and Pakistan should now get determined to solve the Kashmir problem by correcting the fatal error made by the departing colonial masters and their agents in the delineation of the boundaries between India and Pakistan.
Osuagwu, Kuwait

The withdrawal is a sign that the government of India is willing to negotiate. But are the militants? The problem in Kashmir is that Pakistan may seize the opportunity to get a tighter grip on the mostly Muslim Kashmir and throw the whole process into turmoil. One must remember that Pakistan harbours or has harboured many terrorists including the one responsible for the bombings in Bombay a few years ago.
Tony, USA

I think this is great news especially from Kashmir's viewpoint. This may hopefully end the 15 year long violence that has disrupted one of the most beautiful places in the world. Hopefully this will go a long way to restore the peace; however both parties must co-operate fully to establish both peace and prosperity.
John Ritchie, Edinburgh, Scotland