India, Pakistan officials meet to discuss border opening
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Indian and Pakistani officials are meeting amid easing of tensions to discuss opening a visa-free border crossing to allow pilgrims to easily visit a Sikh shrine close to the border with Pakistan.
India's External Affairs Ministry spokesman Raveesh Kumar says the talks have started after a Pakistani delegation crossed over to the Indian side on Thursday. Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad Faisal is heading the Pakistani delegation.
Tensions flared last month after a suicide attack killed 40 Indian paramilitary soldiers in the Indian-controlled portion of Kashmir. The Indian air force launched an airstrike inside Pakistan, saying it was targeting militants it blamed for the bombing.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Pakistan retaliated and said it shot down two Indian air force planes. One pilot was captured and later released. Tensions have eased since.