A high-level Pakistani delegation, including paramilitary officials, left for India on Wednesday to hold talks with their Indian counterparts on security issues, focusing on suggestions to reduce tension on the border.

The four-day talks scheduled to begin in New Delhi later on Wednesday are held amid tensions over the recent cross-border shelling along the Line of Control (LoC) in the disputed Kashmir region and the working boundary that caused civilian casualties.

Officials said that a 16-member delegation crossed India through Wahga Border for the "routine bi-annual talks" with Border Security Force (BSF) in New Delhi.

"In order to avoid losses to innocent civilian lives and properties the delegation will discuss issues pertaining to unprovoked ceasefire violations, smuggling and safe/early return of inadvertent border crossers," a statement from the paramilitary Rangers said. Rangers guard the borders with India in eastern Punjab and southern Sindh province of Pakistan.

"These talks are held alternatively in India and Pakistan. Both border guarding forces will discuss professional matters related to border management," the statement said.

These talks will be held in New Delhi from Sept. 9-12.