SAARC Yatra: Jaishankar raises India's concerns on terror

Indian Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar on Tuesday conveyed India's concerns on cross-border terrorism during talks with his Pakistani counterpart, and both agreed that ensuring peace and tranquillity on the border was vital.

During talks with Pakistani Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhary, both discussed bilateral issues and agreed to work together to find common ground and narrow differences.

Jaishankar said that during the talks, he (Chaudhary) "reiterated our known concerns on cross-border terrorism, including on the Mumbai case", according to sources.

After talks with Chaudhary, the Indian foreign secretary said in answer to a question that he was glad to be in Islamabad as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiative of a SAARC Yatra.

He said he "conveyed the expectations of our leadership on SAARC and their determination to forge a cooperative relationship with all our neighbours".

He said both sides "discussed ideas and initiatives to take SAARC forward. Pakistan will be the next SAARC chair and India would like to work with Pakistan to help SAARC achieve its potential".

"Naturally, my visit provided an opportunity to discuss our bilateral relations. We engaged on each other's concerns and interests in an open manner. We agreed to work together to find common ground and narrow differences," said Jaishankar, who arrived here earlier in the day.

"We agreed that ensuring peace and tranquillity on the border was vital.

"Our talks were held in a constructive and positive atmosphere," he said, adding that he looks forward to calling on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif later in the day.