China 'agrees' to review its stand on Lakhvi

China decided to look into the matter after Sushma Swaraj reminded it had assured India of its co-operation on anti-terror efforts

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday raised the issue of 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks mastermind Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi and China's stand on the matter in the 1267 Committee of the United Nations with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the sidelines of the International Donors Conference here.

"The External Affairs Minister raised the issue of Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi and China's stand on the issue in the 1267 Committee of the United Nations. She mentioned that Lakhvi is no ordinary terrorist, he is the man responsible for the Mumbai terror attacks, in which more than 160 people died, including several foreigners," said MEA official spokesperson Vikas Swarup.

"She said that China's stand on this matter is at variance with the excellent progress that has been achieved in India-China bilateral relations," he added.

Swarup further said China had assured India that it was against all forms of terrorism and that there was every reason for the two countries to cooperate closely on anti-terrorism efforts.

"The Chinese Foreign Minister agreed to look into this matter and said categorically that China opposes all forms of terrorism and that there was every reason for India and China to cooperate closely together on anti-terrorism efforts," he added.

China had recently blocked India's move in the United Nations for action against Pakistan for Lakhvi's release from jail.

According to reports, India had earlier at a meeting of the UN Sanctions Committee sought action against Pakistan for Lakhvi's release in the 26/11 trial, saying it a violation of UN resolution, but the Chinese representatives blocked the move on grounds that New Delhi did not provide sufficient information.