Washington, 15 Dec. (AKI) - India began preparations to attack Pakistan in the aftermath of the Mumbai attacks, Pentagon officials told US media on Monday. Unnamed defence officials cited by CNN said the Indian Air Force was carrying out preliminary preparations for airstrikes, after the deadly bombings in India's commercial capital that killed over 170 people and injured close to 300 in November.

One official said that India's Air Force 'went on alert', while another said that preliminary preparations can put India in a position to launch airstrikes against suspected terror camps in Pakistan.

US officials made their remarks after an Indian aircraft reportedly violated Pakistani airspace twice on Saturday. Tensions between the nuclear neighbours have risen following the Mumbai attacks (Photo).

India says the Pakistan-based group Lashkar-e-Toiba is to blame for the bombings that targeted two luxury hotels and a Jewish centre. However, Pakistan has denied any involvement in the attacks, but has pledged to work with the Indian investigation.

Pakistan has arrested members of the Jamaat-ud-Dawa charity, accused of being a front for Lashkar-e-Toiba militants allegedly linked to the Mumbai attacks.