India to be 'cautious' vis-a-vis Pakistan

India will take "cautious and incremental steps" in the peace process with Pakistan because of past experiences, External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid said Thursday.

"We have had some bitter experiences in the past, and so it is necessary to be cautious while dealing with Pakistan," Khurshid told a group of Urdu editors here.

At the same time, he said that India would welcome a visit by Nawaz Sharif, who is set to become the prime minister of Pakistan, and hoped it would help usher an era of peace in the region.

Asked about Pakistan Army chief Parvez Ashfaq Kayani's reported warning to Sharif to be wary of India, Khurshid said it was only a media report.

Once Sharif took charge, it would become clear how he hoped to implement his commitment of developing strong ties with India and not let Pakistani territory to be used for anti-Indian activities.

All disputes with Pakistan can be resolved through peaceful means, he added.