Manmohan wants 'purposeful' talks with Musharraf

"I expect a purpose dialogue with the General sahab. Though it is not a state visit (by Musharraf) but an informal one, we are prepared to discuss anything our honoured guest wants to raise including Kashmir, fresh confidence building measures and common security," Singh told reporters here last evening on the sidelines of an investiture function.

Asked about Musharraf's remark that he would take up the Kashmir issue in Delhi, Singh said "we are open to discussion on all issues including as this is part of the composite dialogue process" between India and Pakistan.

To a query whether India was considering a further cut in the number of troops along the Line of Control and International Border with Pakistan, the Indian Prime Minister said "nothing is ruled out but there has to be several pre-requisites."

The Indian Prime Minister's remarks came ahead of his meeting with Musharraf here on April 17, the first visit by Musharraf to India since the failed Agra summit in 2002 with the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.