However, Indian analysts warned that should a direct link be proved between Pakistan and Saturday's bombings of two busy markets and a packed bus, the process which began in January last year would come under severe strain.

Singh has hinted at the possibility of Pakistani involvement in the blasts on the eve of the major Hindu festival of Diwali. His comments were released by the foreign office after he spoke to Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf by telephone Monday night.

"We continue to be disturbed and dismayed at indications of the external linkages of terrorist groups with the October 29 bombing," Singh told Musharraf.

"India expects Pakistan to act against terrorism directed at India," the foreign office quoted Singh as telling Musharraf.

It added: "The prime minister again drew the president's attention to Pakistan's commitment to ending cross-border terrorism."

Musharraf made the commitment in January 2004, when the nuclear-armed rivals, who each hold Kashmir in part and claim it in full, began an eight-point Composite Dialogue aimed at resolving disputes dating back to 1947 when the sub-continent was partitioned at independence.