Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday expressed confidence that the "combined pressure" of the world community, including the US, will work to ensure that the "ghastly" terror attacks like the one on Mumbai last year will not happen.
Addressing a press conference a day before he winds up his US visit, he said he has discussed with US administration the issue of putting pressure on Pakistan on containing infiltration and has been assured that it will "work in that direction."
Dismissing the talk in Pakistan of "limited war", he said Pakistan faces no threat "whatsoever from our side."
Asked about what guarantee India can have that Pakistan-based terrorists would not carry out Mumbai-style attacks, he said, "I hope the combined pressure of the world community, including the US, will work to ensure that the ghastly attacks of November 26 will not happen.
"On our part, we will strengthen our internal security measures and do all that is possible to prevent such attacks. I hope that all the civilised countries will work in that direction," he said.
Appreciating the cooperation India has received from the US after the 26/11 strikes, the Prime Minister said: "I sincerely hope that world's conscience will be aroused to take effective action in the hope that our region will be free from the problem of terrorism."
To a question on the frequent Taliban attacks in Pakistan, the prime minister said India is worried about the activities and movement of the Taliban "it is a matter of concern not only to Pakistan but also our country."
When asked about the talk of 'limited war' in Pakistan, Singh said: "Let me say categorically India wants a strong, peaceful and successful Pakistan. It is in our interest that we will continue to work in that direction.
PM invites American business community
Dr Singh invited the American business community to invest in the country saying his government will continue the reform process to facilitate more inflow of overseas funds into the country.
The prime minister also said the country would revert to eight- nine per cent gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate, once the global economy revives.
"I reaffirmed to them (American business leaders) the commitment of the government to facilitate foreign investment and to pursue key reform measures", said Singh.
To a series of queries on economic growth post-global financial meltdown, the Prime Minister said, "our economy continues to grow at six per cent per annum, despite the onslaught on our exports... if we maintain our strong commitment to modernise infrastructure, I am confident that our inclusive growth will clock eight to nine per cent once the economy revives."
US lauds India's role
India and the US said they shared interest in the stability, development and independence of Afghanistan, with President Barack Obama hailing India's role in reconstruction efforts there.
"He (Obama) told me that the United States highly values India's role in the reconstruction and development of Afghanistan," Dr Singh said.
To a question, Singh said he had not come across any criticism about India's role in Afghanistan. "We are there for reconstruction and peace," he said.
The Afghan issue also figured in the joint statement issued by the two leaders as well as the joint press meet held by them yesterday after their meeting.
"The two leaders reiterated their shared interest in the stability, development and independence of Afghanistan and in the defeat of terrorist safe havens in Pakistan and Afghanistan," the joint statement said.
President Obama appreciated India's role in reconstruction and rebuilding efforts in Afghanistan, it said adding, "The two leaders agreed to enhance their respective efforts in this direction."
Image: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh addressing the press conference at Willard Hotel, Washington, DC.
Photograph: Paresh Gandhi
