India, Russia discuss terror threat, anti-terror cooperation By M V Meenakshisundaram

Moscow, Sep 3 (PTI) India Thursday said Pakistan should
act "firmly" against terrorist elements based there as
President Pratibha Patil and her Russian counterpart Dmitry
Medvedev discussed the need to cooperate in combating terror
on a day Moscow marked the anniversary of deadly Beslan school
attack.

During their Kremlin parleys, the two leaders deliberated
on the threats of terrorism to their regions and the need to
cooperate and strengthen dialogue in the field of
counter-terrorism and security issues.

Russia was Thursday marking the fifth anniversary of
Beslan school massacre as the Day of Solidarity with the
Victims of Terrorism. Five years ago, 334 hostages, including
186 school children were killed by Chechen terrorists in the
sleepy town in the Caucasus in Russia's worst terror attack.

Briefing reporters, Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao said
the situation in Afghanistan came up for discussion and India
highlighted its developmental partnership in that country.

Russia shared India's concern over the situation in
Pak-Afgan region, she said adding, India was also concerned
about terrorist elements based in Pakistan and emphasised the
need for Islamabad to act "firmly and concertedly" against
those, especially in view of the ongoing investigations into
the Mumbai attacks.

Russia sees very real and clear present-day tension
emanating from "that part" of Pakistan and is cognisant of
India's concern, she said.

Russia also supported the passage of India-sponsored UN
comprehensive convention against terrorism. PTI MS
ANU