US President George W Bush indicated he will talk to Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf on the need to end cross-border terrorism in India when he meets him in Washington later in June.

The assurance was given to Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee when he talked to Bush at a dinner on Saturday night hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin in St Petersburg.

Vajpayee was seated left of Bush at the dinner and the table was shared by Putin, incumbent European Union Chairman and Greek President Costas Simitis and incoming EU Chairman and Italian President Silivio Berlusconi.

Authoritative sources told reporters accompanying the prime minister that Bush agreed with Vajpayee that successful Indo-Pak dialogue is not possible without an end to cross-border terrorism.

Bush also expressed admiration for Vajpayee's Pakistan peace initiative.

Vajpayee's tour: The complete coverage

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What do you think about the story? Read what others have to say: Number of User Comments: 9 Sub: Vajpayee Meets Bush Sir: This business of Bush talking to President Mussharaf makes no sense. Everyone seems to be playing games with the terrorist menace which has resulted ... Posted by rajesh Vyas Sub: How could he have been so naive all this time ? It is amazing he is telling Atal so "belatedly" that he would take it up with his pal when the latter goes to Camp David ... Posted by chanakya Sub: Vajapai It is good to hear that the statemanship of Vajpai is working ..........feeling sorrow abt some political parties which are projecting the most inexperience political ... Posted by Santhosh.S Sub: Bush to take up terror with Pak Who is Bush/USA to take up this issue with Pakistan?Why should we ever crave for any attention or support from Uncle Sam.If we Indians have ... Posted by Sriram Sub: Third party mediation By asking Bush to talk to Pakistan about cross-border terrorism, India has virtually involved a third party in the Kashmir issue. Also, it seems as ... Posted by Manuel Vaz