Rivals try to ease military risk

Kashmir remains the main stumbling block in bilateral ties

India and Pakistan have agreed to a series of measures to reduce the risk of a military conflict.

The two sides have also agreed to continue a ceasefire along the Line of Control that divides Kashmir.

The nuclear-armed neighbours announced the measures after day-long talks between senior officials.

At an earlier round of talks at the weekend, India and Pakistan agreed measures to reduce risks involving nuclear weapons.

After Monday's talks, the two sides issued a joint statement outlining the seven measures that would help reduce the risk of military conflict.

They include a ban on building new army posts and defence constructions along the Line of Control and upgrading an existing military hotline between senior military officers.

The two sides also agreed to continue a pact on air space violation and conduct regular talks between local military officials.

The BBC's Sanjeev Srivastava in Delhi says analysts believe that while these agreements can hardly be termed as path-breaking, they do serve the important purpose of keeping the peace process on track.

'Cordial'

The statement said the talks were "held in a cordial and constructive atmosphere".

The talks are being seen as an indication of what has been called the "new maturity" in relations between India and Pakistan.

Last year, the two countries agreed to try to sort out their problems through a closer and more sustained dialogue.

However, analysts say Pakistan is unhappy about the deal India reached with the US last month on civilian nuclear cooperation.

Meanwhile, India still wants Pakistan to take action to prevent attacks by militants crossing into Indian-controlled Kashmir.

India says many of the militants have been armed and trained by Pakistan - an allegation Pakistan denies.

During nearly six decades of tension, the two rivals have fought three wars, two of them over Kashmir which both countries claim in its entirety.