Indo-Pak defence talks end with no forward movement on Siachen

ISLAMABAD: India and Pakistan were today unable to make any forward movement in ending the military standoff on Siachen, merely committing themselves to "serious, sustained and result-oriented efforts" for an amicable settlement of the issue over the world's highest battlefield.

"Both sides reaffirmed their resolve to make serious, sustained and result-oriented efforts for seeking an amicable resolution of Siachen," said a joint statement issued at the end of the two-day talks on the issue here.

It was agreed to continue the dialogue on Siachen in keeping with the desire of the leaders of both countries for early resolution of all outstanding issues, the statement said.

The two countries "acknowledged that the ceasefire (in Siachen) was holding since 2003."

They further agreed that the next round of talks on Siachen would be held in New Delhi on mutually convenient dates to be fixed through diplomatic channels.

Emerging from talks with a delegation led by her Indian counterpart Shashikant Sharma, Pakistan's Defence Secretary Nargis Sethi said Islamabad wants both sides to simultaneously pull out troops from Siachen.

The deployment of troops on the glacier is affecting the environment and talks on the issue should be speeded up, she told reporters.

During the talks, the two sides "explained their respective stances" and reiterated stated positions, diplomatic and official sources from both sides told PTI.

The second day of talks today was largely devoted to working out the joint statement, the sources said.

The joint statement said the talks were held in a "cordial and friendly atmosphere."