"There are strong indications that Indo-Pakistani peace talks would be marked by mutual suspicion and abundant caution rather than bonhomie," said senior analyst Rajeev Sharma of The Tribune newspaper.

Sharma said terrorism and proposals by Pakistani President Gen. Pervez Musharraf on self-rule and demilitarization of the two Kashmirs would dominate talks.

"(The) Pakistani side is charged up with India's reaction on violence-hit Balochistan. They are expected to register their protest formally," Sharma said.

"Pakistan took up the issue (of Balochistan). We made our position clear that a situation is developing in our neighbor which concerns us," said Navtej Sarna, Indian foreign office spokesman.

The foreign secretaries of India and Pakistan initiated the two-day second round of composite dialogue Tuesday to finalize the schedule of meetings on six issues.

"They held detailed discussions on peace and security," said Sarna.

He said two foreign secretaries reviewed the decision taken by the expert-level groups on nuclear and conventional confidence-building measures.

The two foreign secretaries held detailed discussions on various confidence-building measures launched by the sides since they began the peace process in 2002.

Sources say the two sides failed to make any headway on the issue of terrorism and drug trafficking. On terrorism, the Pakistani side argued only troop reduction could end militancy in Kashmir.

India refuted the argument, saying the presence of troops has helped contain terrorism.

"An overall discussion took place on terrorism and we placed over concern on the matter," said the spokesman.

Indian Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran asked his counterpart, Riaz Mohammad Khan, to share the details of the narcotics activities along the Pakistan-Afghan border.

Khan insisted India should provide information on the Indo-Myanmar border, which is frequently used by narcotics gangs.

Relations between the two South Asian neighbors were fast moving toward normalization and improvement until a terror strike in New Delhi Oct. 30 in which 60 people were killed and more than 100 wounded.

It was followed by another terror attack on the prestigious Indian Institute of Science in the southern town of Bangalore. India suspected Pakistan's hand in both incidents.

Pakistan took strong exception to India's remarks on the developments in Balochistan where tribes have been waging an armed struggle against the army and the government.

"Pakistan should stop military action against Baloch tribes and initiate political dialogue with them to resolve the issue," Sarna said.

Pakistan criticized India, saying, "It's an interference in our internal affairs."

"We need not to take suggestions from any outsider," said Tasneem Ahmed, spokeswoman of the Pakistan foreign department.

A Pakistani diplomat said Islamabad would formally present Musharraf's proposals to India on the second day of the composite dialogue. India rejected Musharraf's proposal on the demilitarization of Kashmir, saying it is not possible till militancy ends.

On self-rule, New Delhi sought further explanation from Islamabad.

Pakistan has described Kashmir as the "core issue" between two nuclear-armed nations and insisted it should be resolved first.

India has traditionally maintained the disputed Muslim-majority state of Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India.

New Delhi rejected any third-party involvement, but has agreed to discuss the matter in its entirety as peace talks began.

On the first day, Saran and Khan discussed the key subjects of Siachen, Sir Creek, Tulbul Navigation Project, narcotics, drug trafficking and more transport links between two countries.

"In this round, technical level talks were held on the subject," Sarna said.

He said the meeting would also finalize dates for talks between the technical-level working groups of the Joint Commission.

The current round of the foreign secretary-level meetings will be followed by the plenary session of the Joint Commission.

During talks, India has been focusing on CBMs. It wants CBMs to be in place and become institutionalized mechanisms as early as possible.

India proposed extending the Munabao-Khokrapar rail link to the holy Indian city of Ajmer to facilitate Pakistani pilgrims.

Ajmer Shariff is a holy Muslim shrine respected by both India and Pakistan.

India's strategy is to get people used to facilities like bus services and train links, so it becomes difficult for either government to withdraw them.

"We will not raise Balochistan issue but if they take up the matter and seek our response, we would stick to our position," said a senior Indian diplomat.

The Pakistan government has come under severe criticism by human rights activists there for military offensives being launched by the government to curb Baloch rebels.

The rebels in Pakistani province has been demanding the government shift troops from the region and give more revenue for use of its natural resources.

Islamabad says the restive region has become a haven for militants.

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