India's new government entered a war of words with Pakistan on Monday over the protracted Kashmir dispute even as the nuclear-capable neighbours pledged to resolve their differences through dialogue.
The two countries, which launched a peace process a year ago after coming to the brink of war, bickered over what the starting point of negotiations would be after a Congress party-led government took over in New Delhi.
President Pervez Musharraf in a television interview said talks could not begin on the assumption that the Line of Control would be made permanent.
Indian Foreign Secretary Shashank in a statement Monday said India was "somewhat surprised" at Musharraf's remarks.
"It (the agreement) provides the framework for our relations and commitment both to dialogue for resolving differences and not to take any unilateral actions," said Shashank, who uses only one name.
But he assured that India would also abide by all subsequent bilateral agreements including those signed by former prime minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, whose Hindu nationalist government lost April-May elections.
He said India was committed to previously scheduled dialogue including a meeting of foreign ministers in August.
He said the process would give the countries the chance to discuss "any unnecessary apprehensions".
The Indian foreign minister, Natwar Singh, assured the new government had "no fundamental differences" on Pakistan policy from the administration of Vajpayee, who had built a warm rapport with Musharraf.
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