India for step-by-step approach on easing LoC tensions

Indian foreign minister says India, Pakistan should not rush into the foreign minister talks as proposed by Khar.

Responding to Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar’s dialogue offer to ease Line of Control (LoC) tension, her Indian counterpart Salman Khurshid said both the countries should "not rush into the matter and (let us) move step by step," Hindustan Times reported on Thursday.

Khar, during the Asia Society session in New York, had said that “the doors to dialogue are open.” “We need to meet at any level, I think we need to call each other, we need to become mature countries which know how to handle their truth,” she added.

Khurshid and defence minister AK Antony also briefed the Indian cabinet about the situation following the cross border incursion.

Tensions have flared in the past week after three Pakistani soldiers and two Indian soldiers were killed after India started construction of posts near the LoC, in violation of the ceasefire. Things have not cooled despite a brigadier level meeting between troops on both sides on Sunday.

However, militaries on both sides came out on Wednesday with a public desire to de-escalate tensions.