Govt calls meeting of Indian envoys; terror to dominate agenda

As India builds up pressure on Pakistan to act in the wake of Mumbai terror attacks, New Delhi's envoys to world capitals will meet at a two-day conference to deliberate foreign policy issues.

As India builds up pressure on Pakistan to act in the wake of Mumbai terror attacks, New Delhi's envoys to world capitals will meet at a two-day conference to deliberate foreign policy issues.

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External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee will inaugurate the meeting of over 120 Ambassadors and High Commissioners convened for the first time since the UPA came to power.

Though the meeting was planned much before the Mumbai terror attacks took place, terrorism and the diplomatic drive launched by India asking Pakistan to act against the perpetrators of terrorism operating from its soil is expected to dominate the proceedings.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is also expected to address the gathering on the concluding day.

Singh as also Mukherjee will tell the envoys about how they should present India in the present global scenario when terrorism and financial crisis are posing greatest challenges to the world.

Singh and Mukherjee are likely to tell the envoys to highlight how India has been facing terrorism emanating from Pakistan despite New Delhi's keen desire to improve relations with the western neighbour in all areas, the sources said.

The intent is that the envoys should highlight these aspects in the countries where they are posted as part of efforts to build pressure on Pakistan to end terrorism.