India, Pakistan in anti-terror talks

India and Pakistan will have anti-terrorism talks today.

The two sides will discuss various counter-terrorism measures and exchange information to assist in investigations related to terrorist acts.

Both countries had the second meeting of Pakistan-India Joint Anti-Terrorism Mechanism in New Delhi on October 22, 2007. The Pakistani delegation will be led by Masood Khalid, Additional Secretary (Asia & Pacific), Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Indian delegation will be headed by Vivek Katju, Additional Secretary (Political & International Organisations), Ministry of External Affairs, India.

India and Pakistan began peace talks in 2004 after coming close to what would have been the fourth war between the countries.

The talks have made slow progress, particularly over the key Kashmir dispute. Indian Minister for External Affairs Pranab Mukharjee travelled to Pakistan last month and both sides agreed to continue their so-called 'composite dialogue' process which also covers talks over a joint anti-terror mechanism. Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi will visit India on June 27.

Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh is expected to visit Pakistan this year, according to Pakistani and Indian officials.

Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani is likely to meet his Indian counterpart in Sri Lanka next month when the two leaders will travel there for a regional summit. IRNA