India says border troops will stay

Indian officials insist tens of thousands of troops deployed on the Pakistan border will not be pulled back.

It comes despite an ease in tensions as India reacted with optimism to Pakistan's promise to declare war on terrorism.

New Delhi says it wants President Musharraf's words to be followed by action.

"I'd like to give all due time for effective implementation of what General Musharraf has announced," said Indian External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh.

"Pakistan has only stated its intention. Let it first walk the talk," Singh said.

"The mobilisation remains as it is. We will keep the situation under observation," Ministry of Defence spokesman S.K. Bandopadhyay said.

"Whether it will ease or not, is something to be seen over the next few days," he added. "Whatever (Gen. Musharraf) has said, he has to act on."

The two nations' troop buildup is the largest since their last war in 1971.