Summary Loc tensions, terrorism and Indian involvement in Balochistan came under discussion.
NEW YORK (Web Desk) – Briefing the media persons after the meeting, Security Advisor to Indian Prime Minister, Shiv Shankar Menon said the meeting was useful, constructive and definitely a step forward.
“Talks are going forward not backwards but we need to work hard on reestablishment of mutual confidence,” he said.
However, he said no timeline has been set for the future dialogue.
“Tension on the Line of Control came under discussion and the two leaders agreed that ceasefire at the LoC should be ensured.”
“The two leaders invited each other to visit their respective countries and both accepted the invitation,” Menon said.
Both prime ministers spoke of their desire for improving the bilateral relations but they were also conscious of the difficulties in the process, Menon said.
The security advisor to Indian PM said Pakistani PM mentioned the unrest in Balochistan and Indian involvement in the province.
To this, according to Menon, the Indian PM said there was no question on any kind of interference in Pakistan’s internal affairs,”.
Both sides agreed to devise a mechanism to prevent violations at the Line of Control and restore the ceasefire, he said.
To a question he said the meeting itself was a new beginning in the relation between India and Pakistan.
He denied the impression that the elections in India were a factor in the resumption of dialogue between the two countries.
The prime ministers of India and Pakistan met Sunday in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, a fresh effort to improve strained relations but hindered by an uptick in violence in disputed Kashmir.
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Pakistan's Nawaz Sharif shook hands and exchanged small talk before journalists were hustled out of the meeting room at a hotel.
It was their first face-to-face meeting since Sharif was elected in May.
Sharif had called the meeting a chance for a "new beginning" in relations between South Asia's nuclear rivals.
Manmohan Singh had reciprocated the goodwill but downplayed expectations. He stated that relations can't improve until Pakistan stops militants from launching attacks in India.
Speaking at the UN on Saturday, Singh said India was committed to resolving differences with Pakistan, including over Kashmir, which is claimed by both countries and divided between them.
But he said for progress to be made, Pakistani territory can't be used for terrorism against India, and that "the terrorist machinery that draws its sustenance from Pakistan be shut down."
Leaders of India and Pakistan last met a year ago. Pakistan's then-President Asif Ali Zardari met Singh during a visit to India in April 2012. He was the first Pakistani head of state to visit the country in seven years.
The two also met in August 2012 on the sidelines of a summit in Iran.
