Islamabad: Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupuma Rao is due to visit Pakistan this month to discuss Kashmir issue, a Pakistani official said on Tuesday.
It will be the first formal discussion between the two rival countries on their core dispute since the Mumbai attacks in 2008.
India suspended peace negotiations with Pakistan after the attack that killed 166 people, but the two sides agreed earlier this year to start again talks.
Indian Foreign Secretary and her Pakistani counterpart Salman Bashir were assigned to tackle the territorial argument over Kashmir, which lies at the heart of tension between the two states.
“She (Nirupama Rao) is expected to visit Pakistan later this month to discuss peace and security, disputed Kashmir as well friendly exchanges,” Pakistani foreign ministry official told Reuters.
Rao is due to retire on July 31.
Pakistan and India have fought two of their three wars since 1947 over the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir, and their rivalry complicates Western efforts to stabilise Afghanistan and the South Asian region.
The two countries have been under pressure from the United States to try to resolve tensions that spill over into Afghanistan.
They have held talks on a range of issues including a border dispute over a river estuary, a row over Siachen glacier — the highest battlefield in the Himalayan region — as well as ways to build commercial ties.
Dear TNT Reader,
At The News Tribe, our mission is to bring you free, independent, and unbiased news and content that keeps you informed and empowered. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism, as we understand that we are a platform for truth.
Apart from independent global news coverage, we also commit our unique focus on the Muslim world. In an age marked by the troubling rise of Islamophobia and widespread misrepresentation of Muslims in Western media, we strive to provide accurate and fair coverage.
But to continue doing so, we need your support. Even a small donation of 1$ can make a big difference. Your contribution will help us maintain the quality of our news and counteract the negative narratives that are so prevalent.
Please consider donating today to ensure we can keep delivering the news that matters. Together, we can make a positive impact on the world, and work towards a more inclusive, informed global society.
Donate Monthly Subscription Annual Subscription