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India on Friday reacted with caution to Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's invitation to engage in a comprehensive and sustained dialogue, saying it will depend on circumstances, which have to be considered "thoughtfully".
"They must have sent an invite which will go to the prime minister. The PM will apply his mind. It will all depend on the circumstances, which have to be considered thoughtfully," External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid told reporters in New Delhi on the sidelines of a function.
Sharif had on Wednesday invited India to engage in a "comprehensive, sustained and result-oriented" dialogue with Pakistan to resolve the Kashmir issue.
"I invite India for a comprehensive, sustained and result-oriented" dialogue for the resolution of the Kashmir issue, Sharif had said while addressing a joint session of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir's assembly.
Noting that circumstances had led India to suspend dialogue with Pakistan, Khurshid said, "Circumstances must be befitting to be revived."
Though relations have improved "undoubtedly", there is still a lot of work to be done, he said.
"I believe my colleague Anand Sharma is going to Pakistan on trade talks. Let me see what happens," Khurshid said.
Image: External Affairs Minisrer