India-Pakistan talks did not fail: Rao.

NEW DELHI, Aug. 13 -- Talks between India and Pakistan that ended amid acrimony in Islamabad last month were not a failure, Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao said on Thursday.

Rao told All India Radio in an interview that the countries were able to understand each other's point of view on important issues.

"The talks helped us to promote understanding on all important issues," she said, referring to the July 15 meeting in Islamabad between Indian Foreign Ministers S.M. Krishna and Shah Mahmood Qureshi.

The talks collapsed in bad blood after both countries struck to their respective stands, using a press conference to publicly deride each other.

Rao, who accompanied Krishna to Islamabad, said New Delhi would continue to talk to the civilian government in Pakistan for the resolution of issues of mutual concern.

"The next round of talks will be held in Delhi and dates will be decided through the diplomatic channels," she said.

Rao urged Pakistan to take quick action against those responsible for the Mumbai terror attack of 2008 that left 166 people dead. This was needed for a conducive atmosphere for talks, she said.

She expressed concern that terrorism was being promoted in Pakistan, and warned that this had to stop to take the dialogue process forward.

"Pakistan-sponsored terrorism continues. We have been pressing them to take action for a long time now."

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