India says it will remove some troops from its tense border with Pakistan -- except in the disputed Kashmir region.
India's Defense Minister George Fernandes made the announcement in New Delhi after a meeting of the Indian cabinet's security committee. The defense minister also says there is no chance of India holding a dialogue with Pakistan as long as what he called "Pakistani terrorism" continues.
The troop withdrawal had been expected after India's top security advisory board recommended the move earlier today (Wednesday).
The board did not publicly explain its reason for the proposal. But analysts say fewer troops may be needed now that the government has finished state assembly elections in Indian Kashmir.
Analysts also say the approaching winter will block Himalayan passes with ice and snow, making it harder for Pakistani-based militants to infiltrate India.
India and Pakistan have kept about one-million troops stationed on the border since December, shortly after armed gunmen attacked the Indian parliament.
India blames that attack and many others on Pakistani-based rebels fighting to end Indian control in Kashmir. Pakistan denies giving military support to the rebels -- though it says the rebels have Pakistan's moral support.