Pakistani officials arrive in India for talks about Siachen Glacier

Photo: Pakistani officials arrive in India for talks about Siachen Glacier

Pakistani Defense Secretary Tariq Waseem Ghazi, who will lead the Pakistani side at the two-day talks, told reporters that he had "come with an open and positive mind."

Siachen is at the northern tip of Kashmir, a Himalayan region claimed by both Pakistan and India, the AP reports.

Tuesday's talks are part of efforts begun by the two countries more than two and a half years ago to settle Kashmir and other bilateral disputes.

An armed standoff began at Siachen, an 80-kilometer (50-mile) glacier, in 1984. With forces deployed at elevations of up to 6,700 meters (22,000 feet), more soldiers have died from the bitter weather than from fighting.

The guns have been silent in Siachen since November 2003, when the two countries announced a cease-fire in Kashmir.

Pakistan has proposed that both sides withdraw troops from Siachen, but India insists that Pakistan first officially recognize current Indian troop positions on the glacier. Pakistan believes that doing so would mean acceptance of Indian control over that territory.

Last Thursday, Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said it is serious about resolving the dispute over Siachen, but did not indicate whether the two sides are any closer to a settlement.