NEW DELHI, Nov 21: Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said on Sunday that New Delhi was keen to see progress in the composite dialogue with Pakistan, and indicated that he was still flexible on the issue of Kashmir despite perceptions to the contrary.

"We are very serious about the composite dialogue," Dr Singh told reporters during a visit to the north-eastern city of Imphal. "We want it to progress and progress well."

Dr Singh was asked to comment on President Gen Pervez Musharraf 's reported statements, with certain negative vibes from New Delhi, which prompted him to apparently describe Indian troop reduction in Kashmir valley as a 'cosmetic move'.

The prime minister played down its significance and said: "On the basis of a stray word, we cannot say that there is no flexibility on both sides. We should move forward with sincerity".

Dr Singh, according to a Zeenews report from Imphal, said he looked forward to "a fruitful exchange of views" with Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz due in New Delhi on Tuesday. "We can solve all outstanding issues and problems through peaceful negotiations."

In what appeared to be a coordinated effort to improve the atmospherics ahead of Mr Aziz's maiden visit to New Delhi, Indian Foreign Minister Kunwar Natwar Singh said both countries had to be prepared for a long haul to resolve their differences, which required patience. "We should look at the larger picture," said Mr Natwar Singh.