India on Saturday said it was deeply disappointed by Pakistan’s statements alleging an Indian hand in Friday’s attacks in Lahore, and also in other terrorist activities and disturbances elsewhere across the border. India has maintained that such “unsubstantiated allegations” from Pakistani government officials in “responsible positions” will put a strain on the bilateral relationship.

The government, at the same time, condemned the Lahore blasts. “The government of India unequivocally condemns the series of bomb blasts in Lahore.... Our condolences go out to the families of those killed by these acts of terrorism,” a statement from the ministry of external affairs said.

“At the same time, the government is deeply disappointed by statements emanating from Pakistan alleging an Indian hand in yesterday’s attacks, and other terrorist acts and disturbances elsewhere in Pakistan,” the statement said.

The government has reiterated on several occasions that India has no interest in destabilising Pakistan.

Dark forces scuttle peace bids: Tharoor

India on Saturday said it has repeatedly tried to have peace with Pakistan but the “dark forces” of terror operating there openly have consistently undermined these efforts.

Justifying the recent foreign secretary-level meeting, India said talks with Pakistan would have to be kept going so that concerns related to terrorism could be addressed and peace and stability maintained.

“For peaceful relations with Pakistan, we have repeatedly taken initiatives to try and peacefully resolve our outstanding problems. Sadly, the dark forces of terrorism have consistently undermined our efforts," Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor said in New Delhi.