ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — Pakistan and India signed a new visa agreement on Saturday, easing restrictions for travelers in what was seen as a step toward warming relations between the rival South Asian countries after years of heightened mistrust and hostility.

The agreement was signed by S. M. Krishna, the Indian minister for external affairs, and Rehman Malik, the Pakistani interior minister, in Islamabad.

The visa requirements have been strict in the past because of suspicions on each side. Among other changes, the agreement will exempt travelers over 65, children under 12 and businessmen from reporting to the police during their travels.

Relations between the two countries have improved in recent months, and trade has been increasing. The visa changes are meant to build on that by increasing contacts between Indians and Pakistanis in the hopes of instilling more trust. Some previous agreements to improve relations, however, have stumbled in being carried out.