India today said the dialogue with Pakistan was necessary to convey its concern on terrorism emanating from that country.
     Union minister of state for external affairs Preneet Kaur, talking to reporters, said India wanted "smooth understanding" with its neighbours as peace in the region was in mutual interest.
     "We stand absolutely firm on our stand against terrorism from across the border," Kaur told a press conference. "We have to keep our talks going on as only then concerns related to terrorism and steps required for maintaining peace and stability can be taken," she added.
     The minister said Pakistan has taken a few steps against the perpetrators of 26/11 Mumbai attacks, but India wanted them to move further.
     "We want them to take concrete actions and at the same time I think, the talks are necessary," she said.
     About the recent attacks on Indians in Afghanistan, Kaur said India was concerned at the development, but at the same time committed to build infrastructure in the country as "such incidents can't change our stand in helping Afghanistan".
     Referring to the beheading of Jaspal Singh in Pakistan by the Taliban, she said, "We have taken the incident firmly with Pakistan. The barbaric and heinous crime is condemnable. Our sympathies are with Singh's family."
     On racial attacks against Indians in Australia, the minister said, "In clear terms, Australia has been told that such incidents are not acceptable. They have given visa to Indians and it is their duty to ensure the security."