New Delhi: British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw arrived in Delhi on July 18 night on his mission to nudge India and Pakistan to begin a process of sustained dialogue and further lower tensions.

Straw, who is on his third peace mission to India and Pakistan in six months, will meet External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha and National Security Adviser Brajesh Mishra on July 19.

New Delhi's concerns over cross-border terrorism, continuation of infiltration and lack of action by Pakistan would be ''powerfully articulated'' during the parleys, an External Affairs Ministry spokesperson told reporters.

Before emplaning for India, Straw told reporters in Hong Kong that there has been a reduction in tensions between India and Pakistan since he last visited the region in May.

However, he said a much greater easing of tensions across the line of control (LoC) was necessary before the dialogue could start.

"Tensions have reduced and we are very grateful to the governments of India and Pakistan for the measures they have taken to reduce tensions across the Line of Control," he said.

Both Britain and the US have said they want Pakistan to ensure there is a permanent reduction in the number of militants infiltrating India from Pakistan.

PTI