Pakistan 'hopeful' ahead of India talks

PAKISTAN: Pakistan's Foreign Secretary arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday for the first official talks with India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, saying he was "hopeful of a positive outcome."

In the Indian Capital, however, a government source told the Press Trust of India (PTI) news agency that "a trust deficit" between the rivals, who have fought three wars since 1947, meant expectations for the discussions were limited.

"It is good to be back," Pakistani Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir told reporters as he arrived at New Delhi airport. "I have come here to bridge the differences (and) I am hopeful of a positive outcome."

Bashir, leading a five-member delegation, will meet his Indian counterpart Nirupama Rao for closed door talks on Thursday in New Delhi.

India suspended a slow-moving peace dialogue that began in 2004 after the November 2008 Mumbai attacks, which left 166 people dead and more than 300 others wounded.

New Delhi blamed the assault on Pakistan-based militant groups and "official agencies" of its neighbour.

It decided to resume talks, however, after judging that Pakistan had taken some steps to address concerns about militant groups operating on its side of the border.

Pakistan had pushed the United States to help get the peace process back on track, arguing that the perceived threat from India limited its ability to support the fight against Al-Qaeda and the Taliban. New Delhi, AFP