India-Pakistan Talks: Foreign secys meet

After a four-month lull, India and Pakistan today resumed composite dialogue as their Foreign Secretaries met here to deliberate on a range of bilateral issues, particularly terrorism.

At the two-day talks between Foreign Secretary Shiv Shankar Menon and his Pakistani counterpart Riaz Mohammad Khan, the two sides are expected to give shape to the joint anti-terror mechanism and discuss confidence building measures (CBMs) in military and civilian fields.

They will also review progress on other outstanding issues including Jammu and Kashmir, Siachen and Sir Creek.

During the meeting, terrorism will be the dominant theme of discussions. India will give evidence of Pakistani linkages to terrorist activities, including the Mumbai blasts, and make it clear that Islamabad's commitment to fight the scourge will be tested on the ground.

On the eve of the parleys, Pakistan Foreign Minister Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri said a resolution to the vexed Siachen issue was a "matter of days" given the political will.

However, India did not appear to share the view as it underlined that talks are still going on and its position on the subject is well known.