"Our Indian guests have provided the panel with important insights into the nexus between terrorism and the 55-year-old dispute over Kashmir," said Saxton. "At least two major wars, several local conflicts and numerous military mobilizations have erupted between India and Pakistan over Kashmir. And with both countries possessing nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles, the stakes are even higher today."

Addressing the terrorism panel was Ambassador Gopalaswami Parthasarathy, former India High Commissioner to Paksitan from 1998-2000; Lt. Gen. Arjun Ray (Ret.), who was corps commander of Indian forces deployed at the line of control near the Pakistan border and in Kashmir, and; Bahukutumbi Raman, former deputy director of India's national security council. The officials are in Washington this week.

Saxton said the bipartisan House panel hopes to gain a better understanding of the conflict, of what drives terrorist activity, how terrorists operate and what actions governments should consider when seeking to deter, prevent and defeat terrorism.

"While we are all glad to see the de-escalation of tensions on the subcontinent over the last few days, a permanent peace will never be achieved until terrorist activity is halted and a political agreement between India and Pakistan is achieved," said Saxton.

Having promoted understanding of terrorism and the need for anti-terrorism efforts in Congress for 15 years, Saxton was selected by House Speaker Dennis Hastert in 2000 to chair the Special Oversight Panel on Terrorism.