The peace process with Pakistan initiated by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and cross-border terrorism figured prominently during the talks National Security Adviser Brajesh Mishra held with his American counterpart Condoleeza Rice in Washington on Thursday.

Mishra expressed India's concern at Pakistan's continued fanning of terrorism in Kashmir despite its assurance to the US on numerous occasions to put a cap on infiltration across the Line of Control.

The US-led global war against terrorism, other bilateral and international issues also came up for discussion during the talks.

The meeting took place hours after US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage during his visit to Islamabad said Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf had given him an absolute assurance that there was nothing happening across the Line of Control.

The White House, meanwhile, described the peace overtures between India and Pakistan as a 'hopeful moment'. "Armitage is in the region for the purpose of working with India and Pakistan to help bring them together. And there, too, this is a very hopeful moment," White House Spokesman Ari Fleischer said.

"You have seen a thaw in relations between India and Pakistan, and a very helpful one at that. Many people have been working very hard, including the US to help make this happen. And it is an important step forward that both countries have taken toward each other. And the President (George W Bush) commends them for it," he added.