Manmohan set to meet Sharif

Ties to improve after years of tensions

NEW DELHI: Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has confirmed that he will meet his Pakistani counterpart this weekend in a major step towards better relations following rising tensions.

Manmohan said he will hold talks with NawazSharif on the sidelines of theUNGeneral Assembly, the first such meeting in three years, amid heightened friction over a string of deadly military attacks across their border in disputed Kashmir.

“During my visit to New York, I look forward to bilateral meetings with the leaders of some of our neighbouring countries, including Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan,” Manmohan said in a statement before leaving for the United States.

He will first head to Washington to meet President Barack Obama to try to strengthen economic ties between the two world’s largest democracies including on nuclear power, before leaving for New York.

“Over the past decade, our relationship with the United States, which is one of our most important relationships, has transformed into a global strategic partnership,” his statement said.

New Delhi and Islamabad have been working behind the scenes in recent weeks to secure a meeting, which was in jeopardy after deadly skirmishes in recent weeks between their militaries. The attacks repeatedly broke a ceasefire in place since 2003 along the de facto border in Kashmir.

The picturesque Himalayan region is divided between India and Pakistan by the UN-monitored Line of Control (LoC), but is claimed in full by both countries. Two of their three wars have been fought over Kashmir.

The deadly flare-ups followed an ambush in August that killed five Indian soldiers along the LoC. India blamed the Pakistan army for the attack, a charge that Islamabad denied.

Since winning a general election in May, Sharif has been vocal in his desire for better relations with India. Last month he urged both sides to work swiftly to shore up the 10-year ceasefire after India’s defence minister hinted at stronger military action along the LoC.

Analyst K.G. Suresh said the incidents in Kashmir, along with attacks by Pakistani militants on Indian soil, were among issues expected to be raised at the meeting – set to be held at a New York hotel on Sunday. — AFP