War with Pak not a solution, says Mukherjee

Making it clear that war was not a solution to the problem of cross-border terrorism, India on Wednesday, asserted that business with Pakistan, however, could not be usual till perpetrators of the Mumbai attacks are brought to justice and terror infrastructure is dismantled.

Winding up debates in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha on the Motion of Thanks to the President's Address, External Affairs minister Pranab Mukherjee also strongly justified government's strategy to depend on using diplomacy to put pressure on Pakistan in the wake of Mumbai attacks, saying it had paid dividends.

Suggesting that a big issue should not be made out of delay by Pakistan to respond to India's dossier on Mumbai attacks, he said it "does not mean we have to rub them on the wrong side" as India understands the "complexities".

He said India is examining the questions raised by Pakistan in response to Mumbai dossier and will share whatever information is possible. "But, please don't divert attention," he said apparently addressing Pakistan.

In his reply in both Houses on behalf of prime minister Manmohan Singh, Mukherjee detailed government's actions after the Mumbai carnage and other aspects of foreign policy as well as domestic issues like financial crisis.

The Motion was adopted after amendments moved by Left parties were defeated.