Islamabad: India and Pakistan today (Jan 6, 2004) agreed to resume the composite dialogue process in February, External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha announced.

To carry forward the process of normalisation of relations, Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee agreed to commence the process of comprehensive dialogue in February, Sinha said reading out from joint statement issued by India and Pakistan.

"The resumption of the composite dialogue will lead to peaceful settlement of all bilateral issues including Jammu and Kashmir to the satisfaction of both sides," it said.

Both the leaders, who met during the SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation) Summit, agreed that constructive dialogue would promote progress towards establishment of peace, security and economic development.

According to the statement, Vajpayee said in order to take forward and sustain the dialogue process, violence, hostility and terrorism must be prevented.

President Musharraf "reassured" the Prime Minister that "he will not permit any territory under Pakistan's control to be used to support terrorism in any manner. President Musharraf emphasised that a sustained and productive dialogue addressing all issues would lead to positive results".