Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has called Pakistan a regional "epicenter of terrorism," just hours before he is due to meet with his Pakistani counterpart, Nawaz Sharif.
In his speech to the U.N. General Assembly in New York Saturday, Singh voiced concern about cross-border terrorist attacks.
The Indian leader pledged he is committed to resolving all issues with Pakistan. However, he said Kashmir is an integral part of India, and that India will never agree to a settlement that compromises its "unity and territorial integrity."
Singh and Sharif are due to meet on Sunday on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly.
On Friday, Sharif called the meeting a chance for a "new beginning" between the nuclear-armed neighbors. Singh said he shares that sentiment.
There has been a recent upsurge in violent attacks in Kashmir, which is claimed by both India and Pakistan in its entirety. Rebel groups have been fighting Indian rule in the Himalayan region for more than two decades.
Sunday's meeting will be the first face-to-face talks between the Indian and Pakistan leaders since Sharif's election victory in May.
In his speech to the U.N. General Assembly in New York Saturday, Singh voiced concern about cross-border terrorist attacks.
The Indian leader pledged he is committed to resolving all issues with Pakistan. However, he said Kashmir is an integral part of India, and that India will never agree to a settlement that compromises its "unity and territorial integrity."
Singh and Sharif are due to meet on Sunday on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly.
On Friday, Sharif called the meeting a chance for a "new beginning" between the nuclear-armed neighbors. Singh said he shares that sentiment.
There has been a recent upsurge in violent attacks in Kashmir, which is claimed by both India and Pakistan in its entirety. Rebel groups have been fighting Indian rule in the Himalayan region for more than two decades.
Sunday's meeting will be the first face-to-face talks between the Indian and Pakistan leaders since Sharif's election victory in May.
