NEW DELHI, April 5: Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said on Thursday he was hopeful of a positive outcome at the two-day talks with Pakistan on the Siachen Glacier and Sir Creek disputes starting in Islamabad on Friday.
The Indian leader's comments came a day after he held a one-to-one discussion here with his Pakistani counterpart Shaukat Aziz, which included a review of the progress on the Saichen dispute.
Both sides expressed optimism following the Aziz-Singh meeting, including the chances of a breakthrough after the long-drawn discussions that have gone on between the two sides to bring back their troops from the world's highest battlefield.
"I am hopeful," Dr Singh said on the margins of a public function here. He was asked if he expected a positive outcome from the two-day defence secretary-level talks in Islamabad from Friday.
"There are immense opportunities. We are working together to resolve our differences," Dr Singh said.
The Indian prime minister's remarks followed a meeting of Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) he chaired. The meeting cleared the brief for the Indian side for the talks that will also cover the Sir Creek issue.
Pakistan has indicated a grudging willingness to meet India's demand for an authentication of the troop positions prior to their departure from the current points. Foreign Secretary Riaz Mohammed Khan had indicated willingness during a visit to New Delhi late last year to meet India's request half way if it would desist from using the markings to stake India's claim to the barren heights.
Meanwhile, Press Trust of India quoted Indian Army Chief Gen J.J.Singh as ruling out any move to demilitarise the Kashmir valley.
"No withdrawal or reduction of troops from Jammu and Kashmir is on the cards," he told reporters in the southern city of Belgaum.
"Pointing out that constant vigil was necessary in Kashmir to check infiltration, which would be on the rise during summer, Singh clarified that the levels of deployment of forces in the state were decided on the basis of a constant review of the situation," PTI said.
