Even as he took a dim view of Islamabad?s eagerness to rush to the media, external affairs minister Pranab Mukherjee on Monday assured full cooperation to Pakistan ??as an when necessary?? in connection with the probe into the Mumbai terror attacks if any information was sought through official channels.
The external affairs minister, however, ruled out a joint investigation into the attacks, indicating that India?s own investigations into the attack could not be clubbed together with the Pakistani probe. ??Whatever information we get from Pakistan, we respond to it. But information must be made available through official channels and not through media?? he told reporters here.
He said India is ready to cooperate with Pakistan ??as and when it is necessary??, while referring to the material already provided to Islamabad about linkages in that country. ??As far as joint investigation is concerned, I have told you we are having investigation,?? he said.
After being provided the dossier of evidence on Mumbai attacks, Pakistan sought more information and given a list of 30 questions. India has said it is examining it and will provide whatever information is possible. Mukherjee made the statement as Pak high commissioner Shahid Malik met foreign secretary Shivshankar Menon to discuss aspects related to the Mumbai attacks.
