UFA (Russia): Prime Minister Narendra Modi accepted Nawaz Sharif's invitation to visit Pakistan in 2016 for Saarc summit as India-Pakistan bilateral ties took a major step forward after an hour-long meeting of the two leaders on the sidelines of SCO summit in Russia.
In a welcome development, Pakistan agreed to India's demand to hand over voice samples of the accused in the 26/11 case. Islamabad also agreed to discuss ways and means to expedite the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks trial.
Raising the Mumbai terror attacks issue during the talks, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told Nawaz Sharif to take action against 26/11 mastermind Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi for peaceful, and even friendly, relations between the two countries.
Terrorism remained the focus of talks with the two leaders condemning terrorism in "all its forms" and agreeing to cooperate with each other to eliminate the menace from South Asia.
"They agreed that India and Pakistan have a collective responsibility to ensure peace and promote development. To do so, they are prepared to discuss all outstanding issues," said a joint statement after the talks read out by Indian foreign secretary S Jaishankar and Pak foreign secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry.
The two leaders also agreed that the national security advisers of both countries will meet in New Delhi to discuss all issues related to terrorism.
Another significant takeaway from the talks was the decision to hold early meetings of DG BSF and DG Pakistan Rangers followed by that of DGMOs.
In another goodwill gesture, Modi and Sharif decided to release within 15 days fishermen in each other's custody along with their boats.
The two leaders also agreed to discuss mechanism for facilitating religious tourism.
Earlier, the two leaders shook hands and posed for photographers before settling down for delegation-level talks.
Indian delegation included national security adviser Ajit Doval and foreign secretary S Jaishankar while Sartaj Aziz, Sharif's adviser on foreign affairs and national security, was part of the Pakistani delegation.
Setting up the tone for Friday's meeting, Modi and Sharif met informally and exchanged pleasantries on Thursday night at a dinner hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin for the BRICS-SCO summit delegates.
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