Ufa: The much anticipated bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif has ended in Ufa in Russia. The meeting which was scheduled for 45 minutes was slightly extended and went for nearly an hour.
Sources in Pakistan say that the meeting ended in a "cordial atmosphere". As per sources, Sharif claimed that Pakistan "is doing unprecedented work in controlling non-state actors", while Modi kept a firm stand and said "give us results".
India is said to have raised the issue of the pace of 26/11 trial. Sources say that India has clearly told Sharif that the two countries need to build confidence before going any further in our relationship.
According to sources, Modi rubbished Pakistan's claims on Indian involvement in Karachi and MQM and asked Pakistan to give proofs it has any to show the involvement. India has also raised the issue of unprovoked firing by Rangers along the Line of Control.
Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar is scheduled to brief about the talks soon.
While the details of meeting are yet to be known, sources had said that at least 5 agreements are expected to be signed by the two leaders. Three-year multiple entry visas are likely to be given to Pakistan businessmen. Multiple entry visas are also likely to be given to bus travellers on the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad route and Delhi-Lahore route.
Sources had also said that slow pace of 26/11 trial and trade with Pakistan will top the Indian agenda for the talks. Pakistan realises that harping on Kashmir with Modi government is a futile attempt, say sources.
The two leaders shook hands and posed for photographers before settling down for delegation-level talks. Indian delegation included National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Jaishankar while Sartaj Aziz, Sharif's advisor on foreign affairs and national security, was in the Pakistani delegation.
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