Foreign secretary S Jaishankar with Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
In a significant breakthrough, India and Pakistan on Tuesday discussed ways to resume the stalled dialogue process, sources have told NDTV. The discussions took place as Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar visited Islamabad seven months after talks were abruptly called off over Pakistan engaging with Kashmiri separatists.
Mr Jaishankar also called on Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and delivered a letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Sources have told NDTV that Indian officials are happy with the tone and tenor of the discussions.
The idea, say officials, is to move ahead step-by-step without giving any time frame.
The foreign secretary's visit to Islamabad was part of a SAARC Yatra at PM Modi's instance, but the meeting with his Pakistani counterpart Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry gave both sides a chance to explore the possibility of restarting the dialogue.
In a statement, Mr Jaishankar said, "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."
He reiterated India's concerns on cross-border terrorism and the demand for tough action against those involved in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
"We agreed that ensuring peace and tranquility on the border was vital. Our talks were held in a constructive and positive atmosphere," said the foreign secretary.
Pakistan's Foreign Office issued a statement saying all contentious issues including Jammu and Kashmir, Siachen and Sir Creek were discussed.