India and Pakistan began talks on reducing the risk of nuclear confrontation and accidental use of atomic weapons in South Asia, six years after becoming nuclear powers. A six-member Pakistani delegation led by additional secretary Tariq Usman Haider and an Indian team headed by senior foreign ministry official Sheel Kant Sharma began the talks late morning at a foreign ministry venue in New Delhi, an Indian official told AFP. In comments after arrival in New Delhi Friday, Haider said both countries had "a responsibility as responsible nuclear states". Many observers believed the subcontinent was on the verge of a nuclear conflict when the two sides came close to their fourth war two years ago over the disputed territory of Kashmir. The two South Asian neighbours have refused to endorse nuclear non-proliferation treaties. Islamabad and New Delhi, however, agreed to discuss confidence-building measures and launch a dialogue after a landmark pact between Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf and then Indian prime minister Atal Behari Vajpayee in January to resolve all issues, including the dispute over Kashmir. The agreement aimed at "developing confidence building measures in both nuclear and conventional areas." Both countries also promised to inform each other of "any accidental, unauthorised unexplained incidents that could create a risk of a fallout with adverse consequences ... of an outbreak of a nuclear war." India and Pakistan already adhere to an agreement which commits both sides not to attack each other's civilian nuclear installations, which came into force in 1991. It also commits the two countries to inform each other about their nuclear installations and facilities. **PHOTO CAPTION*** Senior officials of India and Pakistan pose before a meeting in New Delhi. (AFP)