In an ice-breaking decision, India has offered to have Foreign Secretary-level talks with Pakistan to discuss terrorism and any other issue that could lead to peace between the two neighbours.
The offer of talks has been made to Pakistan and a reply is awaited, sources said here today about the decision that marks softening of India's post-26/11 stance apparently because Pakistan government has produced evidence in court against those held in connection with Mumbai terror attacks.
At the talks, India intends to raise the issue of terrorism and any other matter that could "contribute to creating an atmosphere of peace and security" between the two countries, the sources said.
India will "enter into the discussions with an open and positive mind" and will raise all "relevant issues," they said.
On the outcome of the proposed meeting, the sources said this should not be pre-judged.
There was, however, no indication whether the proposed Foreign Secretary-level talks could lead to resumption of composite dialogue under which eight outstanding issues, including Jammu and Kashmir, were being discussed prior to the November 26, 2008 attacks in Mumbai.
India had suspended the composite dialogue after Mumbai terror attacks and refused to restart the process before it could see any concrete action being taken by Pakistan in punishing those behind the carnage.
While Pakistan has been repeatedly pressing for resumption of composite dialogue, India has maintained that it would not be worthwhile till concrete action is taken by Pakistan to punish those behind the Mumbai attacks and dismantle the terror infrastructure.
The offer of talks comes as Pakistan produced evidence against arrested Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists, including its commander Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi in a court in connection with the Mumbai attacks.
The evidence was based on a series of dossiers provided to Pakistan by India in connection with the incident.
External Affairs Minister S M Krishna had indicated two days ago about resumption of talks when he had said "doors for talks were never shut" and that India would be satisfied if Pakistan takes "a few steps" with regard to investigations into the 26/11 carnage.
The decision on talks came as Home Minister P Chidambaram prepares to travel to Pakistan on February 26 to attend the Saarc Interior Ministers' Conference, which will mark the first high-level visit from India since the November 2008 attacks.
During his visit, Chidambaram is likely to have a bilateral meeting with his Pakistani counterpart Rehman Malik and some other leaders.
