India and Pakistan begin peace talks

Nuclear-armed rivals India and Pakistan began historic meetings today aimed at preparing the way for a sustained peace dialogue on Kashmir and other disputes that have kept the neighbours at loggerheads for decades.

The talks – the first in more than two years – take place amid “new momentum” for peace backed by the political will of Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Pakistani President General Pervez Musharraf, who agreed to resume the dialogue last month, said Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesman Masood Khan.