International relations expert Ishtiaq Ahmad from Quaid-i-Azam University in Islamabad says he believes the worldwide focus on Pakistan's flooding might have influenced India to offer aid to its longtime rival.

"The Indians might have been facing a big dilemma because the whole world is out there," said Ahmad. "So they would have been an odd man out, you know, in a situation when everyone is coming. Even Afghanistan has offered $1 million."

Riffat Hussain with Quaid-i-Azam University's Department of Peace and Conflict Studies says the issue of exchanging humanitarian aid between the two countries always has been politically sensitive.

He points to the fact Pakistan spurned India's offer to fly helicopters for relief efforts after the 2005 earthquake in the northern part of the country.

He also says India itself has declined Pakistani assistance in the past.

"There was an earthquake that had hit Gujarat about a decade ago, and Pakistan had offered humanitarian relief assistance to India and the Indian government had turned it down," said Hussain. "So there is whole history of offers being made and spurned by the different sides."

He says he believes India's $5 million pledge is a delicate diplomatic maneuver, especially as compared to the tens of millions of dollars other countries are providing and Pakistan's enormous need for assistance.

"It's like a drop in the ocean, not even in the bucket," added Hussain. "So therefore, I think they are sending a message not only to the international community but also to Pakistan that India means well."