Washington: The US has welcomed the outcome of the first round of talks between India and Pakistan, during which they chalked out a timetable for the resumption of a composite dialogue, and encouraged the two countries to maintain the positive momentum to reduce tensions.

"We very much welcome the outcome of the first round of talks, as part of a comprehensive dialogue between India and Pakistan," US State Department Spokesman Richard Boucher said yesterday (Feb 18, 204).

"We're pleased that the parties came out with a roadmap for future discussions and we are pleased that they're committed to increasing their engagement," he added.

Boucher said the US had "consistently" supported dialogue between India and Pakistan and Secretary of State Colin Powell had been in close touch with leaders in both India and Pakistan throughout the period that they had been "looking at the possibility of dialogue, and then entering into it."

"So we're very pleased to see that the leaders themselves in India and Pakistan not only have announced and explored this possibility but are now moving it forward in such a constructive manner.

"We encourage both sides to maintain the momentum of these positive developments by taking further steps now to reduce tensions in the region," Boucher said.