End of Two-Day Negotiations Between Indian and Pakistani Military Commanders - 2004-08-06

In New Delhi, the two-day negotiations between high-ranking military commanders of India and Pakistan aimed at reducing the number of troops from both countries in the Siachen Glacier region of Kashmir have concluded. The senior commanders of the Indian and Pakistani armies stated that they intend to negotiate again to lessen the intensity of troop deployments in the Siachen Glacier area. According to a statement released at the end of the two-day talks in New Delhi, discussions between the two countries will continue with the goal of withdrawing their forces from their current positions in the Siachen area. Reports indicate that both sides desire to make this area demilitarized and neutral; however, they disagree on the withdrawal of their troops to their positions prior to the signing of the 1972 border agreement. Meanwhile, despite a ceasefire announced by India and Pakistan in the Siachen area in November, the deployment of troops from both countries in this frozen battlefield continues. The Siachen area is located at an altitude of 6,300 meters above sea level and is considered the highest battlefield in the world.