The breakthrough in Indo-Pak ties is the result of two years of work by the US, according to Secretary of State Colin Powell.

"But there is more work to be done, and we have offered our good offices to the Indians and the Pakistanis over the last couple of days," he said in an interview to the US News and World Report during the weekend.

"We have been working with the Indians and the Pakistanis for almost two years, from a period of 'we're going to nuclear war this weekend' to, you know, this is a historic change. And so I think a lot of these seeds that were planted are now germinating and you'll (see) us harvesting crops," he added.

During the SAARC summit in Islamabad, India and Pakistan decided to resume composite dialogue on all outstanding issues, including Jammu and Kashmir.

Powell expressed satisfaction with the "good job" being done by Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf in the face of a difficult domestic political situation and said he was concerned for the general's safety after two attacks on him.

"I would be greatly concerned because I don't know what might come after him. He is a good friend and partner of the US. We support him. He has been an ally in the war on terror.

"He has been helpful in Afghanistan. He is doing more now in Afghanistan. He has started new military operations along the border areas. And we believe that he has a good agenda that deals with the education of his people and deals with anti-terrorism," Powell said.

The secretary said there have been "some concerns expressed" about nuclear proliferation from Pakistan but "earlier this week he (Musharraf) indicated that he was going to look into this thoroughly, make sure that is not the case.

"So he is taking steps and riding a difficult political horse, but we are going to support him and we believe he is doing a good job."