A "range of issues was discussed in detail" under a "cordial and business-like atmosphere," a brief joint statement said after the talks in the garrison city of Rawalpindi near the capital Islamabad.

"The talks provided an opportunity to the two sides to understand each other's respective position," and paved the way for a next round of talks to be announced after "mutual consultation."

Officials said Pakistan had asked India Wednesday to furnish guarantees against future unilateral bans on overflights, with a response expected Thursday.

India was expected to respond to Pakistan's demand Thursday as experts from both sides resumed the final session on restarting airlinks.

The talks to lift a 20-month suspension of flights, were seen as crucial in advancing a delicate four-month peace process between the nuclear rivals, who were on the verge of their fourth war last year.

India initiated the ban on flights to Pakistan and overflights by Pakistani craft in the wake of a deadly attack on its parliament in December 2001, which it blamed on Pakistani-backed militants.

Pakistan followed suit but refused to match India's conciliatory offer in June 2002 to lift the overflight ban.

Carriers in both nations have lost significant revenues for having to fly around each other, but Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) insists the cost is greater for Indian carriers because their long-haul Europe-bound flights have to be rerouted.

The six-member Indian delegation is led by the director general of its Civil Aviation Authority, Satendra Singh, while the Pakistani delegation is headed by senior defence ministry official, Major General Mohammad Ashraf Chaudhry.

Chaudhry urged India Wednesdya to respect international civil aviation norms.

"Pakistan favours full respect for principles and norms relating to international civil aviation and would seek an abiding commitment to ensure that these are respected," he said in a defence ministry statement issued late Wednesday.