Mumbai attacks aggravated India's problems: Brown

London, May 21 (ANI): British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has said tension between India and Pakistan soured particularly after the November 2008 Mumbai attacks, and the attacks also raised difficulties for New Delhi.

Addressing a regular press briefing here, Brown expressed hope that the relationship between India and Pakistan would improve in times to come.

Brown said he would continue persuading Pakistan to focus more on the terrorist issues within its borders.

"I know that there will be general support for what I've called a regional strategy, where we deal with the crucible of terrorism, which is the south of Afghanistan and those parts of Pakistan that are controlled by, or are in the hands of, the Pakistan Taliban and al Qaeda," The Dawn quoted Brown, as saying.

Congratulating Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh for being re-elected as India's Prime Minister, Brown acknowledged India's rapid development under Dr. Singh's leadership.

"He (Manmohan Singh) is a very good friend of mine. He's done a huge amount of work, not only in India but around the world, in promoting economic growth and the relief of poverty," Brown said. (ANI)