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Bush's assurance on Pakistan seen as endorsement of India's stand

India Saturday viewed as a clear endorsement of its stand US President George W Bush's assurance that his administration would ask Pakistan to create conditions for "productive dialogue" with New Delhi.

In a letter to Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, handed over on Friday by visiting U S Deputy Secretary of State, Richard Armitage, Bush said Washington would continue its efforts to create conditions that would allow for productive dialogue between India and Pakistan.

Bush also commended Vajpayee's initiative for holding a dialogue with Kashmiri leaders in his bid to bring peace in Jammu and Kashmir.

Responding to questions, an external affairs ministry spokesman reiterated India's position that as initiator of the composite dialogue process with Pakistan, New Delhi favoured its resumption.

India has maintained that for any meaningful dialogue, Pakistan has to create a conducive environment by putting an end to cross-border terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir and other parts and cease hostile propaganda against it.

PTI

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