India and Pakistan started an expert-level dialogue on nuclear confidence building measures ( CBMs) on Friday which is aimed at reducing the risks of an accidental nuclear disaster.

A formal agreement on pre-flight testing of missiles and the establishment of a hotline between the foreign secretaries of the two countries top the agenda of two-day talks between the two countries.

The Indian side is led by Meera Shankar, additional secretary in the External Affairs Ministry, and the Pakistani delegation is headed by Tariq Osman Hyder, additional secretary.

This is the third round of dialogue between the experts on nuclear CBMs since the composite dialogue between India and Pakistan resumed in 2004.

The last two meetings were held in June 2004 in New Delhi and December 2004 in Islamabad.

The bilateral talks would also deal with proposals for upgradation of the existing hotline between the Pakistani and Indian directors general of military operations (DGMOs) and exchange of nuclear doctrines.

Talks on conventional CBMs would be held Monday.

Source: Xinhua