Atal Behari Vajpayee

Considered the soft face of the Bharatiya Janata Party, Atal Behari Vajpayee is undoubtedly the most famous Prime Minister of post-liberalisation India and an indispensable leader of the BJP-led coalition government at the Centre.

His recent statement that he often finds the poet and the politician within himself in conflict best describes his approach towards Pakistan and Kashmir.

Despite a tough posturing by the Rashtriya Swayam Sevak Sangh (RSS) and waning health, the 74-year-old Prime Minister has shown a commendable courage to resolve the Kashmir issue and improve relations with Pakistan. Ending a stalemate and alienation of several years, he brought the issue to fore by visiting Lahore and signing a declaration in 1999. Unfortunately, this was followed by Kargil war just three months after his celebrated bus-ride to Pakistan. But he has taken the betrayal and the ensuing criticism in his stride.

Despite being a political head of the country, perhaps Vajpayee understands that India and Pakistan constitute more than political entities, that these are two separated brethren still bound to each other with common sentiments.

Vital Stats
Born on 25 December 1926, at Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh

Educated at Victoria (now Laximbai) College, Gwalior, and DAV College, Kanpur. Holds an MA degree.

Worked as a Journalist and as a social worker. In 1942, he was arrested during the Freedom Movement.

A founder member of Jana Sangh, 1951 - 1977.

Appointed External Affairs Minister in the Janata government in 1977

In 1980, he co-founded Bharatiya Janata Party

Served as the President of BJP from 1980 to 1986

He was Prime Minister for 13 days in 1996. On October 13, 1999, he took charge as Prime Minister of India for the second consecutive term.

Pervez Musharraf

The chief architect of Kargil war, Musharraf, as the chief of Army, had once refused to greet Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee during his visit to Lahore. He had even flayed the then Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for urging mujahideens to withdraw from Kargil heights.

But after assuming the new mantle of Pakistan's Chief Executive, following a bloodless coup on October 12, 1999, Musharraf has had to play a different role-that of an army hawk as well as a reform-minded liberalist, who speaks of creating history by coming to India.

But irrespective of the fact how sincere he is in his intention to improve relations with India, he doesn't have much leeway to "create history". Islamic fundamentalists and jehadi groups have warned him of serious consequences for his newfound friendship with Vajpayee.

Vital Stats
Born on August 11, 1943 in a Haveli, situated at Mohallah Kacha Saad Ullah, Old Delhi

Attended Forman Christian Collage, Lahore

Joined the Pakistan Military Academy in 1961 and was commissioned in an elite Artillery Regiment in 1964

Participated in 1965, and 1971 wars, was promoted to the rank of Major General on January 15, 1991

Became General of Pakistan Army on October 7, 1998, and was appointed Chief of Army Staff. Given the additional charge of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee on April 9, 1999

Has been performing duties as the Chief Executive of Pakistan since October 12, 1999.

Is now the President of Pakistan

Is said to be soft to Islamic parties and extremist organisations