India and Pakistan to restart comprehensive dialogue, no cricket but J&K issue on the cards

New Delhi: In a major diplomatic step towards improving bilateral ties with Pakistan, Union External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday call for a comprehensive dialogue with the neighbouring country.

Soon after a high level meeting with Pakistan's Foreign Affairs Adviser Sartaj Aziz in Islamabad, Sushma had a joint press conference with Aziz and announced that foreign secretaries of both the countries will meet and discuss the modalities to hold the bilateral dialogue.

"Both sides, agreed to a comprehensive bilateral dialogue and directed the foreign secretaries to work out the modalities and schedule meetings under the dialogue including peace and security, confidence and security building measures, Jammu & Kashmir, Siachen, Sir Creek, Wullar Barrage/Tulbul Navigation Project, economic and commercial cooperation, narcotic control, humanitarian issues, people to people exchange and religious tourism," a statement issued by the MEA reads.

"They (Sushma and Aziz) condemned terrorism and resolved to cooperate to eliminate it. They noted the successful talks on terrorism and security related issues in Bangkok by the two NSAs and decided that NSAs will continue to address all issues related to terrorism," it reads.

"India & Pakistan announce the commencement of a Comprehensive Bilateral Dialogue. Foreign Secretaries to meet later," MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted.

The meeting lasted for more than half an hour and India is hopeful that Pakistan will come forward in making the meet a great success.

Swaraj is in Pakistan to hold bilateral talks with the Pakistani leadership. She also attended the 'Heart of Asia' 5th Ministerial Meeting on Afghanistan held in Islamabad.

On Thursday she is likely to make a statement on her Pakistan visit in the Parliament.