India, Pakistan to resume defence secretary level talks next week

India and Pakistan will resume their defence secretary-level talks next week after four years with the demilitarization of Siachen Glacier - the world's highest and coldest battlefield - and Sir Creek maritime boundary dispute topping the agenda, Indian news agency IANS reported.
Defence Minister, A K Antony told reporters here on Wednesday that India would hold its defence secretary-level talks with Pakistan on May 30-31. Antony did not specify agenda of talks between Indian Defence Secretary Pradeep Kumar and his Pakistani counterpart Lieutenant General (Retd) Syed Athar Ali.
But sources told IANS that Siachen, Sir Creek and cease-fire on the Line of Control (LoC in disputed Kashmir) are likely to be discussed. The dialogue - part of bilateral peace process that was revived after gap of over two years in the wake of 2008 Mumbai attacks - on these issues between the two neighbours would be held after four years. The last time such talks were conducted was in 2007 when two countries had made significant progress in resolving Sir Creek dispute over 96-km estuary in the Rann of Kutch separating India's Gujarat state from Pakistan's Sindh province.
The two sides have also maintained a cease-fire since November 2003 on Siachen and throughout the LoC. The bone of contention in negotiations between India and Pakistan has been delineation of 110-km Actual Ground Position Line (AGPL) along the LoC. Sources told IANS that both sides are interested in demilitarising Siachen. India wants authentication of AGPL on maps and on the ground before there is demilitarization of Siachen glacier. Sources said the Indian Army was opposed to idea of demilitarization before authentication of AGPL.