India will engage with Pak as war is not an option

India will take forward its engagement with Pakistan to resolve all outstanding bilateral issues notwithstanding flare ups in border as "war is not the option".

Making this clear, top government sources said New Delhi believes that dialogue is only option to resolve all pending irritants with Islamabad and Prime Ministers of both the countries have reached an understanding for it at their recent meeting in Ufa (Russia).

"Talks are on track. Dialogue is the only way forward as war is not the option," the sources said. Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar had said recently that India was committed for dialogue with Pakistan but will give "effective and forceful" response to unprovoked firing and cross-border terrorism.

As agreed in Ufa, the three level of talks -- between National Security Advisors, Directors General of Military Operations and chiefs of border guards forces -- will be held. The first meeting between DGs of BSF and Pakistan Rangers will be held on September 9-13.

"The three level of talks will go on notwithstanding whatever happens in border," the sources said. New Delhi understands the internal dynamics of Pakistan and also the facts that there are elements which always try to sabotage the peace process, the sources said.

Asked what are the plans to bring back underworld don Dawood Ibrahim, they said India has been raising the issue in every meeting with Pakistan and it will continue to do so till the most wanted fugitive was brought to justice.