New Delhi: With the danger posed by terrorism well in mind, India on August 25 asked Pakistan to abjure recourse to this scourge as an instrument of policy, reminding it that the international community was looking for "action" to end cross-border terrorism permanently.

"The international community is looking for action by Pakistan to end cross-border terrorism permanently and dismantle the infrastructure of terrorism on its soil," External Affairs Ministry (MEA) spokesman told reporters.

"If Pakistan wants to present itself as a responsible country, this is the most responsible step they can take, in line with international expectations," he said.

He was asked about the sharp remarks made by Pakistan's permanent Ambassador to the UN, Munir Akram, in letters addressed to the UN General Assembly and the Security Council President recently.

Akram said, "India's demand that Pakistan make unilateral concessions to its position is designed to frustrate not facilitate a dialogue. India's aversion to talks, is premised on seeking concessions from Pakistan unilaterally through coercive means."

The MEA spokesman said, "This is an annual ritual by Pakistan, well rehearsed but empty".

Observing that the doors to a dialogue with India were open, he said, "All Pakistan needs to do is to abjure recourse to terrorism as an instrument of policy."

PTI