Indo-Pak discussion on terrorism begins

New Delhi, July 3: India and Pakistan today began two-day talks on terrorism and drug trafficking as part of the ongoing composite dialogue process between the two neighbours.

The Home Secretary-level talks began this morning with Madhukar Gupta and his Pakistani counterpart Syed Kamal Shah leading their respective sides.

The talks are expected to contribute further to the process of confidence building and improving people-to-people contact between the two countries.

''The meeting is expected to be both positive and fruitful,'' a Home Ministry official here said.

The last Home Secretary-level talks were held in May last year in Islamabad.

Sources said India would raise security concerns and urge Pakistan to widen cooperation in combating terrorism.

This would be in deference to the objectives set out by leaders of both countries in the joint statements, issued from time to time in this regard.

An understanding is expected to be reached on early finalisation and signing of an MoU between the drug control agencies of the two countries in order to set up a regular institutional mechanism for cooperation on drug-related matters.

The issues of release of fishermen, their boats and also prisoners and strengthening of mutual cooperation between the CBI and FIA will also be discussed.

UNI

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