WASHINGTON, (DNA) – The United States (US) welcomed the Kartarpur Corridor initiative between Pakistan and India and said Washington was “incredibly supportive” of the project, said a statement released by the Department of State.

“We encourage it. Anything that increases people-to-people ties between India and Pakistan is something that we’re incredibly supportive of,” said States Department Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus while addressing the media in Washington.

This move comes days after the second round of talks between the two nuclear-armed neighbours held at the Wagah border. The talks ended successfully with both sides “reaching a consensus on 80 per cent of the issues”.

The Pakistani delegation was headed by Foreign Office (FO) Spokesperson Dr Faisal, who is also the Director-General for South Asia and South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, while New Delhi’s delegation was headed by Indian Foreign Affairs Joint Secretary Anil Malik.

The Kartarpur crossing will link Dera Baba Nanak in Indian Punjab with Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan.

Pakistan gave the nod to permitting 5,000 pilgrims to visit the Kartarpur Sahib Gurudwara each day and they will be allowed to travel as individuals or in groups by foot.

The Indian side said its government was confident that it would be ready for commencing the pilgrimage through the Kartarpur Corridor on the auspicious occasion of the 550th birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.