Khurshid likely to raise border issue with Aziz

Concerned over a spike in infiltrations across the border and a rise in ceasefire violations, India is expected to raise the issue with Pakistan during the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) of foreign ministers here next month.

Sartaj Aziz, Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's adviser on foreign affairs and national security, is to attend the Nov 11-12 ASEM foreign ministers' meeting in New Delhi.

There is "likelihood" of a meeting between External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid and Aziz on the sidelines of the meeting, an informed source told IANS.

On Wednesday, India voiced its serious concern over a marked rise in infiltrations across the border with the "tacit" backing of the Pakistan Army.

Defence Minister A.K. Antony said Wednesday: "Attempts at infiltration are still going on, and increasing, which means with support of elements across the border... Nothing can happen without the tacit support of Pakistan Army."

There have been over 300 ceasefire violations already since the beginning of the year.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has also said he was "disappointed" with the rise in ceasefire violations which were taking place despite his New York meeting with Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, when both had agreed to maintain peace and tranquility on the Line of Control and the International Border.

The 11th ASEM Foreign Ministers' Meeting would have the proposed theme, ASEM: Bridge to Partnership for Growth and Development. It is expected to come up with fresh ideas for reviving the Asia-Europe partnership.

The next ASEM summit is set to be held in Brussels in autumn 2014.

The ASEM currently has 51 partners: 49 countries and two international organisations - the European Commission and the ASEAN Secretariat.