No resumption of talks, says MEA after Imran Khan writes to Modi urging bilateral dialogues

Though there will be no resumption of bilateral talks, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will hold a meeting with Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York later this month.

MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar had reportedly indicated the meeting is taking place upon Pakistan's request.

Imran Khan has written a letter to Modi seeking resumption of dialogue between India and Pakistan, moving on with his first overture for bilateral peacemaking after assuming office, media reports said on Thursday. 

Khan's letter is believed to have been written in response to Modi's letter congratulating him for assuming office. According to the Times of India, Modi in his letter written on Aug 20 had called for a “meaningful and constructive” engagement between the two countries.

Pakistan's Geo TV has quoted its sources as saying that Khan in his letter acknowledged that the relations between both the countries face several challenges but Pakistan is ready for talks on all issues, including terrorism.

Khan expressed hope in the letter that the foreign ministers of both countries meet on the sidelines of the upcoming United Nations General Assembly session.

The Pakistan Prime Minister also stressed that the two neighbours will have to take measures for the peace and betterment of their nations as well as the future generations.

Earlier on Aug 20, Modi had called for a meaningful and constructive engagement between both the countries. After becoming the Prime Minister, Imran Khan, in his first speech, had said that he will try his best to resolve the issues with India.