India's government will hold talks for the first time with Kashmir's main separatist group, signaling a renewed effort for a peaceful solution to years of conflict in Indian Kashmir.

The date for deputy prime minister Lal Krishna Advani's meeting with the All Parties Hurriyat (freedom) Conference -- which seeks a plebiscite to determine the wishes of the Kashmir people -- has not yet been decided, Indian Home Secretary N.Gopalaswamy said after a cabinet meeting.

New Delhi insists Kashmir is an integral part of the country but has not held direct talks in the past with Hurriyat, formed about a decade ago.

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