Modi signals readiness to talk to Pakistani PM

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ISLAMABAD: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his desire to avail the SAARC conference opportunity next year to hold talks with Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on all outstanding issues to resume the dialogue process between the two countries.

In a letter written by Premier Modi to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif he confirmed attendance in the SAARC annual feature and pledged to hold talks with his Pakistani counterpart, sources in the Prime Minister House told a private media outlet on condition of anonymity.

These sources said the letter delivered by Indian foreign secretary during his visit to Islamabad, reflects a change from last years’ stance where secretary level talks were postponed by India on the pretext that Pakistani officials held meetings with the leadership of Indian held Kashmir prior to the dialogue while Islamabad maintained that consultation with Hurriet leaders was important before holding talks with New Delhi.

The Indian foreign secretary during his visit was informed that Kashmiri leadership has to be on board before talking on the issue of Kashmir as they are party to the dispute and no solution can be sorted out without their involvement, the sources maintained.