NEW DELHI, 27 May 2006 — India and Pakistan yesterday agreed to carry out a joint survey of a coastal strip aimed at an early settlement of a longstanding boundary dispute after talks in the Indian capital.
The survey of Sir Creek, which links India’s Gujarat state with Pakistan’s Sindh province, and its adjoining areas is scheduled to be held between November 2006 and March 2007, according to a joint statement issued after the two-day talks. Technical experts and hydrographers from India and Pakistan would meet in Pakistan in August to work out modalities for the joint survey, the statement said.
“Both sides agreed on an early settlement on the land boundary in the Sir Creek area and the maritime boundary and to conduct a joint survey of the Sir Creek and adjoining areas and waters,” the statement said.
India’s Surveyor Gen. M. Gopal Rao and Pakistan’s Additional Secretary, Defense, Adm. Ahsan-ul-Haq Chaudhri, led the delegations in the discussions.
Rao, emerging from the talks, said the two sides had succeeded in narrowing differences, PTI news agency reported. Chaudhri said they had made some progress.
