Thursday, May 26 2005 11:24 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Islamabad: India and Pakistan today (May 26, 2005) began talks to iron out differences over demilitarisation of Siachin Glacier, the world's highest battlefield.

Defence Secretary Ajai Vikram Singh, who is leading an eight-member Indian delegation, kicked off the two-day talks with his Pakistan counterpart Tariq Waseem Ghazi at the General Headquarters of the Pakistan Army in Rawalpindi.

The two sides are hoping to reach an understanding on demilitarising Siachin during this ninth round of dialogue over the issue to provide relief to their troops, which were deployed in the most inhospitable conditions.

On arrival, Singh said India was optimistic that progress will be achieved in the current round of talks.

Pakistan is expected to maintain its old stand of willingness to agree for simultaneous pull back of troops to pre-1984 positions but would not authenticate the present positions held by India on Siachin on the maps as demanded by New Delhi, media reports said in Islamabad.

Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman Jalil Abbas Jilani said ahead of talks, "We hope that our discussions result in resolution of Siachin issue in accordance to the 1989 bilateral agreement."

The two countries will hold talks on Sir Creek on May 28 and 29 in Islamabad.