Lahore, Dec. 23 : The US Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman, Michael Mullen, has urged Pakistan to forge more productive ties with India to deal with the common threat of terrorism.

Mullen urged Pakistan to work hand in hand with India to thwart terrorism, which is a common enemy of both the countries.

He also thanked Pakistan for action against Lashkar-e-Tayyaba and other terrorists organisation believed to be involved in last month's Mumbai terrorist attacks.

Mullen said: "The Pakistani government has taken steps to break up the group believed responsible for the attacks that held the Indian financial centre hostage for three days," the Daily Times quoted an US embassy statement, as saying.

He also appreciated the legal efforts by Pakistani authorities to prosecute terror suspects quickly and transparently.

"Mullen was in Islamabad for scheduled talks with senior Pakistani officials on regional issues," US embassy spokesman Lou Fintor said.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Army Chief General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani has said that Pakistan reserves the right to defend itself in case of aggression from India. (ANI)