Islamabad: In the first such meetings after the Congress-led Government took over in New Delhi, Indian officials today (June 15, 2004) held talks with their Pakistani counterparts on ways to prevent drug trafficking and smuggling between the two countries.

A six-member delegation headed by N K Singh, Director General of Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) began the two-day talks with the Pakistani officials led by Khalid Latif, Secretary, Narcotics Control Division.

A lot of significance was being attached to the talks as the two countries held their first parleys on the twin issues way back in 1998 without much progress and have not since held talks on these subjects.

"Today's talks are being held in a very cordial and congenial atmosphere and this time we expect to make progress on these twin issues which could be mutually beneficial," a Pakistani official said.

He noted that both countries deputed top officials of the concerned divisions to finalise the issues and work out a modus operandi to collaborate.

The main issue was to prevent drug trafficking as much of the substances like opium, produced largely in Afghanistan, was transmitted through the region.