ISLAMABAD: Talks between India and Pakistan on Siachen have failed to make any tangible progress, with both sides remaining locked on the question of "authentication" of troop positions on the glacier.

A joint statement at the end of the two-day Defence Secretary-level talks here on Saturday said the discussions were held in "a candid and constructive atmosphere." Both sides agreed to continue the discussions to resolve the issue in "a peaceful manner," and reaffirmed their commitment to the November 2003 ceasefire.

Pre-talks optimism in both countries that a breakthrough was imminent proved misplaced. Indian officials associated with the talks said there was "not enough meeting ground" on the question of authentication.

Both sides reiterated their known positions. India wanted authentication of the "actual ground position line" (AGPL) before any discussion on proposals for demilitarisation of the glacier. The Indian view is that it has to be a "sequential" process.

Pakistan was reportedly willing to "record" the present troop positions but offered it as a larger package of disengagement, including the implementation of what it says was an "agreement" between the two sides in 1989 for withdrawal of troops from the glacier.

"Disappointed"

Pakistani officials said they were "disappointed" at the "arrogance" of the Indian delegation for its unwillingness to consider this offer, and for standing on authentication of the AGPL before anything else.

The officials said Pakistan had shown "flexibility" compared to its earlier opposition to any kind of acknowledgement of troop positions.

They said "a detailed plan" given to India at the November 2006 Foreign Secretaries meeting would have addressed concerns on both sides and enabled a middle ground, and expressed disappointment that the Indian side had not responded to it.

Officials in the Indian delegation said they were not aware of such a plan and it was not on the agenda for the talks. The main agenda on the Indian side was to push for authentication.

Pakistan fears that authentication will strengthen India's claims on Siachen and turn the AGPL into the Line of Control. Pakistan counts India's 1984 positioning of troops on Saltoro as a violation of the 1972 Shimla Accord, and wants them pulled back to pre-1984 positions.

India says it did not commit any aggression as Siachen forms part of Jammu and Kashmir, the whole of which is an "integral" part of Indian territory. It maintains that by sending troops to Saltoro, it pre-empted a Pakistani attempt to take over the heights.

"More understanding"

Despite the absence of progress, Indian officials said there was "more understanding" on the Pakistani side of the Indian position, and some "ideas" were discussed to narrow differences.

"But more clarity is needed on these ideas and we will be discussing them further," said one official.

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