New Delhi: Defence Minister George Fernandes on February 8 night said the expulsion of Pakistan Charge d'Affaires Jaleel Abbas Gilani was to tell Islamabad that India would not tolerate misuse of position by Pakistani diplomats and warned that tougher action would be taken if the situation so warranted.

"It is very important to tell Pakistan that India will not tolerate harassment of its diplomats and misuse of position by Pakistani diplomats," he told Star News.

The Defence Minister said the February 8 action was based on the current circumstances. "If circumstances in the future demand tougher action, we will not shy away from it," he added.

Fernandes said the kind of behaviour exhibited by Pakistan in recent times was a breach of diplomatic norms. The action taken by India was a clear signal to Pakistan that New Delhi would not tolerate this any more, he added.

PTI