One hundred and sixty six people were killed when ten gunmen launched a series of attacks on Mumbai in 2008.

India blamed Pakistan-based militants for the attack and broke off official talks with the country.

Just over a year later, and with dwindling diplomatic options, India is reaching out to Pakistan.

The two countries' foreign secretaries met in a heavily guarded colonial mansion in New Delhi on Thursday to resume talks.

High on India's agenda is the issue of terrorism, while Pakistan wants to focus on Kashmir, the disputed region that has been the cause of two of their three wars.

[Nirupama Rao, Foreign Secretary India]:
"And I look forward to our talks."

[Salman Bashir, Foreign Secretary Pakistan]:
"We also look forward to a very good, constructive engagement."

The talks are going ahead despite a recent bombing at a German bakery in Pune, which killed ten people.

Although public opinion in India is strongly against the talks, some see dialogue as the only option.

[Puja, Mumbai Resident]:
“Talks must resume. Without talks there can be no solution. Even earlier we have had blasts in India and now in Pune as well. Without talks there can be no solution. Even if India has to start the dialogue, it should be started because without that we will not get anywhere."

Analysts are not expecting a breakthrough in core disputes, but many say any renewed engagement after more than a year is a good sign.