Pak should honour its commitment: Pranab

In a stern warning to Pakistan, India on Wednesday said it was 'determined to take strongest' possible steps to ensure that there is no repetition of incidents like the Mumbai terror attacks.

"We are determined to take the strongest possible measures to ensure that there is no repetition of such acts," External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee said in New Delhi.

Terming the attacks as 'perhaps the most vicious in the history of independent India, Mukherjee said public opinion in the country is demanding concrete action and hoped that Pakistan will take 'immediate action'.

He said India expects Pakistan to honour its 'solemn commitments' not to permit the use of its territory for terrorism against her neighbour.

"We expect Pakistan to honour its solemn commitments not to permit the use of its territory for terrorism against India," Mukherjee said, addressing the third conference of Latin American Studies Council of Asia and Oceania.

He said the aim of the 'dastardly attacks' was to create a sense of panic in India.

"While Pakistan has said that it wants a leap forward in our bilateral relations, outrages such as the attack on Mumbai are intended to make this impossible," Mukherjee said.

He also called upon the international community to act unitedly to tackle terrorism.

"We call on the international community to act unitedly with us to root out international terrorism, by tackling and countering this menace at its very source and genesis. Any ambiguity in our approach or weakening of our resolve will only send out a signal to terrorists that we are not serious about taking our fight with them to the logical end," Mukherjee said.

India has blamed Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Tayiba for the Mumbai attacks that left over 180 people dead.

Besides seeking 'strong action' against 'elements from Pakistan' linked to the attacks, India has asked Islamabad to hand over 20 most wanted criminals and terrorists, including LeT founder Hafiz Mohammed Saeed, a demand rejected by Pakistan.

Mukherjee also expressed gratitude to the international community, saying India was grateful for the enormous outpouring of support and solidarity.

The conference on 'Recent Developments in the Latin American and Caribbean region, with special reference to India' was organised by Jawaharlal University and Indira Gandhi National Open University.