Indian premier set for Islamabad talks

India has given a “positive” reply to Pakistan’s invitation for Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to visit, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said in Islamabad today.

“We have received a response ... it is a positive response,” said Aziz Ahmed Khan. He declined to give any details.

Last week Pakistan’s Prime Minister Zafarullah Khan Jamali said he made a formal request to Vajpayee to visit Pakistan.

“Pakistan’s position is that Pakistan is ready for a composite talks, including Kashmir,” the flashpoint of two wars between South Asia’s nuclear neighbours.

India’s prime minister launched the two neighbours on a fresh round of peace overtures with an offer last week for ”decisive” talks with Pakistan.

“This round of talks will be decisive,” Vajpayee said in a speech to India’s parliament on Friday.

India also restored full diplomatic and travel ties with Pakistan. Vajpayee said New Delhi would appoint an ambassador to Pakistan and Islamabad responded with a promise to reciprocate.

New Delhi also said it would restore air and land links to Pakistan.