The Barack Obama administration has said the meeting of foreign secretaries of India and Pakistan, held in New Delhi on Thursday, is a 'courageous' step by the leaders of the two neighbouring countries.

"We certainly commend the leadership of political courage and making sure that the meeting takes place. Now, the challenge is to build on this going forward," said Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs P J Crowley.

Notwithstanding the fact that not much visible progress was made during the meeting held at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi by the Indian and Pakistani delegations, he said, "The very fact that the top officials of two countries met in itself is very encouraging."

"What's important here is that, there were some events recently where some elements were trying to derail the prospect of this meeting because they recognize that this has been beneficial to both countries in the past, it was a courageous step to open the door to dialogue again," the State Department spokesperson told reporters.

"The Obama administration has long encouraged the restoration of dialogue between the two countries. It is an important step for Pakistan and India, and we commend the political leadership in both countries," he said.

"I think it's the highest-level meeting between India and Pakistan since the tragedy in Mumbai. And we certainly hope that both countries will build on this dialogue in the weeks and months ahead," Crowley said.