'Indo-Pak talks a first step towards improved relations': R.K. Singh

Former home secretary and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP R.K. Singh on Monday welcomed the talks between the National Security Advisors and Foreign Secretaries of India and Pakistan in the Thai capital and said dialogue was the first step towards improving relations between the two Asian neighbours.

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"I think it is a great development. The talks are a first step towards improved relations. It is only through talks that the situation will improve. Thus, talks are a nice thing," he said.

"During the talks, all issues of militancy will also be discussed. This is a new beginning. We are all hopeful about new beginnings," he added.

Earlier on Sunday, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar met their Pakistani counterparts Nasir Janjua and Aizaz Chaudhry in Bangkok and discussed a range of issues, including peace and security, terrorism and Jammu and Kashmir.

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According to reports, the meeting was agreed upon by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif when they met in Paris last week on the sidelines of COP-21.

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A joint statement issued later said that the discussions "covered peace and security, terrorism, Jammu and Kashmir, other issues, including tranquility over the Line of Control".