Pakistan and India have agreed to continue dialogue process on Siachen in a meaningful and result-oriented manner, saying the two-day talks "have enhanced understanding" of each other's position on the world's highest militarised glacier.
"The discussions were held in a frank and cordial atmosphere, contributing to an enhanced understanding of each other's position on Siachen", said a statement from Foreign Office issued here on Tuesday at the end of the two-day Defence Secretaries level talks between the two countries on Siachen, held after a gap of three years, on May 30-31, 2011 in New Delhi. "Both sides welcomed the ongoing dialogue process and also acknowledged that the cease-fire was holding since November 2003."
Both sides presented their positions and suggestions towards the resolution of Siachen, which had brought the two countries to the brink of war in 1984. The Pakistan side presented a non-paper on Siachen during the talks in which its delegation was led by Defence Secretary Lieutenant General (retired) Syed Athar Ali while the Indian delegation was led by Defence Secretary Shri Pradeep Kumar.
"Both sides agreed to continue the discussions in a meaningful and result-oriented manner", the statement said, adding that they agreed to meet again at a mutually convenient date in Islamabad. The Defence Secretary of Pakistan also called on Defence Minister of India Shri AK Antony. Defence analysts describe the resumption of talks a positive initiative by the two countries, and also attach expectation that the dispute can be resolved by exercising political will.
"I think it is a positive development, and both Pakistan and India can resolve the issue amicably by exercising political will", Lieutenant General Talat Masood told Business Recorder. He said that at least the recommencement of the talks was a good thing that led to 'some' progress.
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