Indian, Pakistani defense officials hold talks

Top defense officials from India and Pakistan met Tuesday for talks that both sides hope will lead to the two nations pulling back troops from the Siachen Glacier, once the world's highest battlefield.

Photo: Indian, Pakistani defense officials hold talks

The two-day talks in New Delhi are part of efforts begun by the two countries more than two and a half years ago to settle Kashmir and other bilateral disputes.

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

Pakistani Defense Secretary Tariq Waseem Ghazi, who was leading the Pakistani side, told reporters on his arrival Monday that he had "come with an open and positive mind."

An armed standoff began at Siachen, an 80-kilometer (50-mile) long 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 combat.

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.

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

I.L.