Maintaining Pakistan has given explicit commitment to join India in the fight against terrorism, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday said the joint mechanism must inspire confidence in both countries and if it does not work "then we have to deal with consequences".
He said Islamabad had realised that things cannot be business as usual if terrorim was not under control and during his meeting with President Pervez Musharraf in Havana, the latter denied Pakistan's hand in perpetuating terror in India.
Musharraf also promised to "work together in future" which was the best India could get under the circumstances, Singh said.
"We have now agreed on a new mechanism to deal with terrorism. The explicit mention that both countries condemn this scourge and will work together, I do think it is a new beginning.
"I hope it works. But, if it does not work then also we have to deal with consequences," the Prime Minister told journalists accompanying him en route home from Havana.
He said the mechanism, which was yet to be worked out and put in place, "must be credible, inspire confidence in both the countries and, therefore, we will have to look at the mechanics of the move with due care."
Asked about his visit to Pakistan, the Prime Minister said that he would be very happy to go there at an appropriate time. Details would have to be worked out through diplomatic channels and he should have solid work to accomplish. He noted that he has accepted the invitation.
To a question when the Foreign Secretary level talks would begin, the Prime MInister said "We have a new Foreign Secretary who is an outstanding civil servant. Let him settle down and he will get in touch with his counterpart."
He said the mechanism, which was yet to be worked out and put in place, "must be credible, inspire confidence in both the countries and, therefore, we will have to look at the mechanics of the move with due care."
Asked about his visit to Pakistan, the Prime Minister said that he would be very happy to go there at an appropriate time. Details would have to be worked out through diplomatic channels and he should have solid work to accomplish. He noted that he has accepted the invitation.
To a question when the Foreign Secretary level talks would begin, the Prime MInister said "We have a new Foreign Secretary who is an outstanding civil servant. Let him settle down and he will get in touch with his counterpart."